Mattel contracts with Ceridian Performance Partners in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for assistance with work-life programs, says Grace Moniz, manager of human resource programs in El Segundo, California. Mattel has Ruth Handler to thank for its history of strong family support. Handler, a mother of two, founded the company with her husband, Elliott, and Harold Mattson. Mattel's history also includes a generous allotment of holidays. Employees get thirteen paid holidays, plus the days off between Christmas and New Year.
Employees also can use up to sixteen paid hours each year for educational activities.
Employees with children, for example, can attend a field trip or a parent-teacher conference. Employees without children can participate in a career day or volunteer at the local library, Moniz says. As for time off for family members, Mattel is still working on a paid plan. Currently, the company offers sixteen weeks off without pay. Employees may use this time to care for a sick relative or a newborn.