Just under half of state mothers with preschool-age children worked outside the home that year. Because so many mothers hold jobs and because mothers often shoulder the primary responsibility for their children, family leave and child-care make a significant difference to employed women. The economic security of many women depends upon the child-care that allows them to work and the job flexibility that allows them to care for their families. Children gain better care and the chance to be happier, healthier, and more prepared and eager to succeed in school. Working parents gain the opportunity to do all their jobs better.
Employers gain less distracted, more loyal employees.
The community gains lower poverty rates and a brighter future. With all these advantages, it is obvious that West Virginia must help women balance family and work. Family Leave Family leave policies allow a worker to take a specified amount of unpaid time off from work if he or she is having a baby, adopting a child, or taking care of a sick family member. These policies guarantee that a job will be waiting when the worker returns. Family leave legislation covers two out of three workers in West Virginia.