Good for Electronic Arts (EA), the producer of blockbuster games like Need for Speed, Star Wars Battlefront, and the FIFA series. The company is improving and updating its paid parental leave program.
Chief talent officer Gabrielle Toledano said in a blog post that employees who have been with EA for a year or more will get 10 weeks of paid parental leave. The leave applies not just to moms, though. It also covers dads and adoptive parents. Birth mothers who also have disability leave may take up to six months off paid, depending on the how much disability leave they have.
An EA representative told GI.biz that before the changes, new parents had only received seven weeks of parental leave. The representative also confirmed that the amount of leave pay has increased.
“Welcoming a new family member is one of the most exciting times for our employees,” writes Toledano. “As a mother, I know firsthand how important it is to have ample time to bond with your new child.”
She also pointed readers to research that shows how paid leave improves employee morale, retention, and health. “At EA, we want to create a culture that inspires you to do the best work of your career, but we know you can only do that by having the flexibility and support to balance your career and personal life.”
The changes went into effect on January 5.
