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I had called in to provide research data for OPB's "Talk Out Loud" re: the paid family leave bill in Oregon.  I was placed on hold, as I listened to claims by J.L. Wilson and the writer from the Oregonian that cannot be supported by research.  In a national survey, 83% of women and 75% of men favor insurance programs that would give families some income when a worker takes a family leave.   Rather than focus on a few personal experiences, I had hoped that "Talk Out Loud" would take a comprehensive look at what variables contribute to the downturn families suffer (from  health, social and economic perspectives) when they need to provide income and nurturance simultaneously.  Paid family leave is a viable and sustainable remedy, and its positive effect has shown economic, employment and health benefits across the board in cross-cultural studies.  It is a shame that this information was not aired.

"Talk Out Loud" obviously is not a proper forum for evidence based reasoning or the dissemination of meaningful information.  I expected more from OPB. 

lpb

posted 4 years, 1 month ago
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Paid family leave is a positive, healthy response to today's workforce.  The Associated Oregon Industries should familiarize themselves with the employers' benefits of paid family leave.  Research has shown for years now that (see "Why Americans Need Family Leave Benefits" on the National Partnership for Women and Families Report by Betty Holcomb):

• 98% of employees return to work for the same employer after taking their longest family leaves (Deloitte and Touche, Amoco, IBM, etc.)
• 77% report savings due to DECREASED TURNOVER
• 84% of covered establishments report that FMLA has either no effect or has a positive effect on PRODUCTIVITY
• 90% of covered establishments report that the FMLA has either no effect or has a positive effect on PROFITABILITY
• 90% of covered establishments report that the FMLA has either no effect or has a positive effect on GROWTH
• INCREASED MORALE in 24% of establishments
• 83% of women and 75% of men favor insurance programs that would give families some income when a worker takes family leave

In talking with with employers in Oregon, I have found that they simply plan for these events;  replacement for these workers takes planning.  It is an ongoing process to anticipate the skills and availability of temporary work and to keep a file of such workers.  They have found that these temporary work assignments are highly attractive to retirees and others who want job flexibility.

I will write or call in an entirely separate comment on what my research has shown when  paid family leave is not in place.  It creates untold and unnecessary stress and damage to women and families. 

Lisa Senders, Ph.D., psychologist

posted 4 years, 1 month ago
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