This brief finds a significant relationship between the use of paid leave and greater employment stability among first-time mothers.

  • –First-time mothers who utilized paid leave were 26.3% less likely to quit their jobs and were 18.2% more likely to work for the same employer after the birth of their first child.
  • –These findings suggest that (a) mothers that utilize paid leave benefits provided by their employer may experience a greater ability to balance their career and caregiving responsibilities, and (b) employers that offer paid leave benefits may be more likely to experience increased levels of employee retention, as first-time mothers who utilize paid leave are more likely to return to their job.