How many of them can actually afford the needed leave depends on whether states make paid family leave available. Family leave benefits strengthen families. As family and work patterns have shifted, more and more women are working to support their families. Since 1950, the number of women in the paid workforce has increased from 29.6 percent to more than 45 percent by 1997. With over 63 million women in the workforce, more and more families are forced to sacrifice their economic well-being to provide the care their family members so desperately need.
Family leave benefits strengthen businesses.
The evidence is solid that businesses do not suffer when workers are able to take needed leave, according to the bipartisan Commission on Family Leave. The ability to take family leave may also make the economy more efficient by helping companies retain experienced and trained workers. Moreover, there is growing recognition that family leave benefits increase worker productivity and satisfaction. Family leave benefits work for families and businesses in the rest of the world. Only three the United States, Ethiopia and Australia provide unpaid leave.