What's the best way to negotiate for parental leave as a non-monetary perk?

Typically it is difficult to find out the parental leave policies of other companies because often they are not publicly available. This is where Nugget Savings is really useful as it contains 600+ parental leave policies. This is a really valuable resource and allows you to benchmark your employer's current parental leave policies against other companies in it's industry, and will be a compelling reason for them to take you seriously and improve their package.

Highlighting your value and achievements is essential, but so is commitment and loyalty. As an employee, it's important to consider how parental leave benefits both you and your employer. Improved productivity, performance, retention, and morale are just a few of the long-term benefits. #ParentalLeave #EmployeeBenefits #Commitment #Loyalty

While it might seem counterintuitive to focus on preparing a case for what is typically a right, it does help when we can explain how integral parental leave is a non-monetary perk. It has a direct impact on engagement levels and has the potential to push up discretionary effort that an employee puts in. Therefore explaining how parental leave ensures that you are able to create a balance between work and life, prevents burnout and allows employees to prioritize their wellbeing, is important. Anticipating and addressing concerns related to work management and delegation, shows how you value your organization's commitment towards providing you with this support.

Commencing the preparation for parental leave several years ahead of the actual need is essential. This proactive approach entails building a strong foundation of credibility and value within your organization. It involves positioning yourself as a dependable, high-performing employee who consistently delivers exceptional results. Maintaining transparent and honest communication with your manager and HR is of paramount importance, especially when discussing your long-term career objectives. Demonstrating your unwavering commitment to the organization. Furthermore, it's crucial to actively seek guidance from experienced colleagues, particularly women who have successfully navigated pregnancy and parental leave within the same company.

Effective negotiation requires a collaborative approach. Be professional, respectful, and prepared to engage in a constructive dialogue. By presenting a well-reasoned proposal and demonstrating the benefits of your requested parental leave, you increase your chances of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.