Netflix introduces unlimited parental leave

JUST in case you didn’t already love Netflix enough, the global streaming giant has just introduced a stunning new policy.

(FILES) This April 13, 2011 file photo shows the Netflix company logo at Netflix headquarters in Los Gatos, California. Netflix will launch its streaming television service in Japan on September 2, the latest stop in its mission to be a global entertainment powerhouse, it said August 4, 20115 . AFP PHOTO / RYAN ANSON / FILES

GLOBAL streaming giant Netflix has introduced the ultimate work perk: unlimited paid parental leave.

In a blog post on the company’s website on Tuesday, Netflix chief talent officer Tawni Cranz said new mums and dads would be allowed to take as much time off in the first year as they want.

“At Netflix, we work hard to foster a ‘freedom and responsibility’ culture that gives our employees context about our business and the freedom to make their own decisions along with the accompanying responsibility,” she wrote.

“With this in mind, today we’re introducing an unlimited leave policy for new moms and dads that allows them to take off as much time as they want during the first year after a child’s birth or adoption.”

She said employees should be given the flexibility and confidence to balance the needs of their growing families without worrying about work or finances. “Parents can return part-time, fulltime, or return and then go back out as needed,” she wrote.

“We’ll just keep paying them normally, eliminating the headache of switching to state or disability pay. Each employee gets to figure out what’s best for them and their family, and then works with their managers for coverage during their absences.”

Such generosity is all about retaining the best talent, she said. “Experience shows people perform better at work when they’re not worrying about home. This new policy, combined with our unlimited time off, allows employees to be supported during the changes in their lives and return to work more focused and dedicated.”

Netflix already had an unlimited holiday policy — allowing staff to take as much holiday as they want, whenever they want — a move copied by Richard Branson’s Virgin last year.

Some employment experts were sceptical, however, pointing out that by giving employees full control over their own leave, they may feel pressured into taking less.

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