Report
Meeting the Promise of Paid Leave

Best Practices in State Paid Leave Implementation

July 2019
Paid Leave

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Meeting the Promise of Paid Leave: Best Practices in State Paid Leave Implementation, presented by the National Partnership for Women & Families in partnership with Main Street Alliance, the National Center for Children in Poverty and Dr. Sarah Jane Glynn.

This report shares findings from a comprehensive study of the three longest-running state paid family and medical leave programs (in California, New Jersey and Rhode Island) to better understand recent trends in program utilization and identify best practices to strengthen existing programs and inform future policymaking. These findings are based on interviews with nearly 90 stakeholders, including working people, program administrators, employers, public health professionals and representatives of community-based organizations. The report details challenges faced by workers with low incomes as well as benefits of using the programs; identifies best practices in policy design, program administration, and public outreach and education; and shares key insights from small and large employers about how to ensure programs work well for both employees and employers.

The following issue briefs summarize key findings from Meeting the Promise of Paid Leave: Best Practices in State Paid Leave Implementation for health professionals, small employers and state policymakers and advocates to encourage the successful implementation of state paid family and medical leave programs for all people, especially people with low incomes. Key findings detail trends in program usage, barriers to access, and recommendations for program design, rollout, administration and public outreach.