The importance—if not the necessity—of paid leave for women and families cannot be overstated. Research from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) has consistently shown that paid leave is essential for individuals to care for their health or that of a loved one. Yet, in the absence of a national paid leave policy, access remains inconsistent, leaving many workers vulnerable.
IWPR’s latest report, conducted as part of its Policy for Action Research Hub, highlights the significant impact of DC Paid Family Leave. Through interviews with residents of Washington, DC, the findings reveal how access to paid leave affects financial stability, mental health, and overall well-being, underscoring the critical need for broader paid leave protections.
Financial Stability for Families
For many workers, paid leave is more than just a policy—it is financial stability. Our findings show that DC Paid Family Leave provided essential financial support, allowing participants to prioritize their health and family without the overwhelming stress of lost income. Even with partial wage replacement, many interviewees shared that the program helped them cover essential expenses, maintain stability, and focus on caregiving rather than financial survival.
Supporting Health and Recovery
Access to DC Paid Family Leave also played a critical role in enabling participants to seek medical and mental health care. One participant shared how the program allowed her to attend therapy sessions, helping her proactively manage postpartum anxiety. Others spoke about how paid leave created much-needed space for physical and emotional recovery and adjustment, particularly after childbirth or other taxing life events.
Promoting Shared Caregiving
Access to DC Paid Family Leave also allowed parents to share the caregiving responsibilities as opposed to one parent—usually the mother—shouldering the burden of that care work. One participant highlighted how the program enabled her partner to stay home with their child after she returned to work, demonstrating the role of policy in reshaping gender roles.
Strengthening Workplace Commitment and Retention
Access to DC Paid Family Leave is widely seen as a positive step toward addressing gaps in workplace benefits. Many participants reported feeling a greater sense of security and support, which in turn seemed to have improved their job satisfaction and loyalty. This shows that paid leave programs such as DC Paid Family Leave can be a critical tool for employee retention, benefiting both workers and employers.
Policy Recommendations and the Need for National Action
While DC’s paid leave program provides critical benefits, there is room for improvement, including ensuring job protection during covered paid leave.
More importantly, while state and municipal-level programs help fill the gaps, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive federal policy. Federal policymakers should work to ensure nationwide access to paid leave through a national-level comprehensive paid leave program providing millions of workers with the support they need—but currently lack—to care for their families without fear of financial hardship or job insecurity.
To learn more about IWPR’s federal policy recommendations on paid leave, visit iwpr.org/paid-leave.
Join us on April 3 at 1 p.m. EDT for a virtual event exploring the findings of IWPR’s latest report on the impact of DC’s paid leave policies on workers and families. Register here.
