Long a valuable resource for policymakers, the media and business leaders, the Leading on Leave program has helped highlight paid leave policies and the benefits they provide to companies and their workers.
In previous versions, our Leading on Leave Index, which highlights corporate leaders on paid leave, was compiled through our online search of companies’ publicly available paid leave data. Now, our new Leading on Leave Index offers the private sector a unique opportunity to be benchmarked on paid leave through information provided directly by companies. The Index covers a range of topics, demographics, and issue areas that are fundamental to supportive paid leave policies for employees. For their participation in the Index, employers will also receive guidance on best practices to improve their paid leave offerings.
Long a valuable resource for policymakers, the media and business leaders, the Leading on Leave program has helped highlight paid leave policies and the benefits they provide to companies and their workers.
In previous versions, our Leading on Leave Index, which highlights corporate leaders on paid leave, was compiled through our online search of companies’ publicly available paid leave data. Now, our new Leading on Leave Index offers the private sector a unique opportunity to be benchmarked on paid leave through information provided directly by companies. The Index covers a range of topics, demographics, and issue areas that are fundamental to supportive paid leave policies for employees. For their participation in the Index, employers will also receive guidance on best practices to improve their paid leave offerings.
Long a valuable resource for policymakers, the media and business leaders, the Leading on Leave program has helped highlight paid leave policies and the benefits they provide to companies and their workers.
In previous versions, our Leading on Leave Index, which highlights corporate leaders on paid leave, was compiled through our online search of companies’ publicly available paid leave data.
Apply to the Leading on Leave Index
We encourage companies of all sizes that have comprehensive employee paid leave as well as those seeking to strengthen their policies to apply!
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below for more detailed information regarding the Index application process.
“Paid leave policies make businesses stronger. They help employers demonstrate that we have our employees’ backs when it’s most important, which can encourage retention, support productivity and foster an equitable culture where people can do their best work. For us, it’s been a relatively small investment with a very meaningful return.”
— Tracy Layney, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Levi Strauss & Co
“When employees do well, companies do well – and an employee’s well-being includes that of their loved ones. Paid leave policies help ensure employees have time and financial support to bond within a new family structure. By giving people the support they need organizations build trust with their people, which leads to improved engagement and retention.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Application Overview
What is the eligibility to apply?
Private sector companies of all sizes that offer paid leave benefits to employees are welcome to apply.
Are organizations from the nonprofit or public sectors eligible to apply?
No, nonprofit or governmental organizations are not eligible to apply to the Leading on Leave Index.
Is there a cost to complete the application?
There is no cost to apply.
How does my company submit an application?
Click here to fill out the Index application.
What is the deadline to submit an application for the Index?
How will my company’s application be scored?
Companies will be scored based on the level of disclosure they provide in the application as well as their level of commitment on leave policies.
Will my company’s application be scored if we’re unable to complete the entire application?
No, only fully completed applications will be scored.
Will the names of Index applicants be released?
No, the names of companies that have applied to the Index will not be released. Only the names of companies that obtain a best practice score will be publicized. Prior approval will be obtained from companies for any information to be published in the report.
Will my company’s identity be released if we don’t make the Index list of top companies?
No, the names of companies that don’t make the Index will not be released, and the identity of applicants will be kept confidential.
Will my company’s data be published publicly?
For companies that obtained a best practice score, we may disclose application data, information about why companies were selected for the list, and information regarding how top companies scored on paid leave issues. Prior approval will be obtained from companies for any information to be published in the report.
Data from all applicants will be aggregated to provide an overview of general trends related to corporate paid leave policies.
When will the results of the Index be announced?
Embargoed companies that obtain a best practice score will be notified in early 2025. A report will be created to summarize aggregated findings and highlight the companies listed in the Index. The public announcement of the results and report will take place later in 2025.
What will my company receive for completing the application?
All companies that complete an application will receive a free action plan highlighting more specific paid leave trends and best practices.
Are there other benefits for my company appearing on the Index list of top companies on paid leave?
Companies that appear on the Index list will receive a digital badge that can be placed on electronic or printed material to highlight their commitment to a family-friendly workplace and dedication to their workforce.
How do companies use the Leading on Leave Index?
The Index can be used by companies in several ways, whether it’s benchmarking against your peers and competitors on paid leave policies or featuring the Leading on Leave Index digital badge on your career page, impact reports, recruiting events, and more.
Completing the Application
What time period should my data come from?
Data should come from your company’s 2023 fiscal year. If this isn’t feasible, data should be used from the last 12-month period for which you have complete information. All data must come from the same 12-month period.
Should my company include data from offices outside the United States in the submission?
No, only provide data from offices in U.S. states or territories. Do not include data from other countries.
Can we submit information for the application via email, Word, or another file format?
No, your data must be submitted through the online application. No other file formats will be accepted.
Can more than one person contribute to an application within a company?
Yes, the application can be completed by more than one person. Instructions on how to share the application with others are found in the introduction of the application.
Can we review responses to the application before submitting them?
Yes, you will be able to review your responses to the application prior to submitting them.
Do we need to complete the entire application at one time?
No, you will have the option to save your application and return to it at a later date.
Who should I contact if I have questions about the Index application?
Please email us at info@leadingonleave.org with any questions you have regarding the Index application. If you wish to learn more about our programs and stay in touch, complete this sign-up form.
Apply to the Leading on Leave Index
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