The company wants to do business only with those companies that share the same ethical valuesThe company has said that it will only work with contractors and suppliers that offer paid leave to their employees who become parents, giving 12 weeks’ family leave to parents. Microsoft’s requirements are that both mothers and fathers should get 12 weeks’ leave at two-thirds of their salary or up to $1,000 (around £763) per week.
The importance of shared values
This ethical stance, which has surprised some, has received warm support from most areas. The company wants to do business only with those companies that share the same ethical values. Microsoft has stated this new decision as its home state of Washington has recently introduced mandatory family leave that will come into effect in 2020.
Inspired by Washington state
Many companies currently offer no parental leave for their employees; therefore, this new ruling will be quite groundbreaking in the way parents are treated. Washington’s move has inspired Microsoft and could inspire other companies to think about something similar.
Microsoft’s support can also benefit many more people living outside the state of Washington who work for the company. The hope is that this decision will inspire other companies to follow suit and offer more paid leave and other employment benefits.
Holiday and sickness leave rights
The company is known for taking ethical stands. A few years ago, it declared that Microsoft would only do business with companies that paid 15 days’ sickness or holiday leave. This decision forced Microsoft’s partners to care more for their employees, making sure they were protected in the case of illness and had the chance to take a much-needed holiday from work while still receiving their wages.
Job satisfaction
This kind of ethical stance is important in the business world, as many companies in America do not make much provision for parents – if any at all. Many companies also expect employees never to have time off for holidays, which puts pressure on families.
Research has shown that taking holidays is important for productivity and can increase job satisfaction. Offering these benefits will be advantageous to the companies in the long run, as they will have healthier and happier staff who are more likely to stay with the company. This also reduces the cost and effort of replacing staff who leave.
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