Paid parental leave is becoming less generous at some major US companies. Deloitte and Zoom have announced reductions in the amount of paid time off they offer new parents, sparking concern among employees and advocates for family-friendly workplace policies.
Deloitte and Zoom Scale Back Parental Leave
According to a report by Business Insider, Deloitte will cut parental leave from 16 weeks to eight weeks starting in January 2027. This change primarily affects employees in support roles such as administration, IT support, and finance. At Zoom, birthing parents now receive 18 weeks of paid leave, down from 22 to 24 weeks, while non-birthing parents receive 10 weeks, reduced from 16 weeks.
These moves come amid a broader trend of companies reassessing benefits in response to economic pressures or shifting priorities. However, they also highlight the ongoing struggle for adequate family leave in the United States, where there is no federal paid parental leave policy.
How Does This Affect Workers?
For many employees, paid parental leave is a critical support during a major life transition. Reduced leave can mean less time to bond with a new child, increased financial strain, or the need to return to work earlier than desired. It may also disproportionately affect women and lower-income workers who already face challenges in balancing work and family responsibilities.
We want to hear from you. Has your employer announced similar cuts? How will the change in policy affect your plans for starting or expanding your family? Share your experience using the form below.
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