Parental Leave

## Parental Leave

Parental leave is a gender-neutral entitlement for either parent to take time off for childcare. It typically follows the initial maternity/paternity period.

### Key Models

| Country | Duration | Pay | Special Features |
|---------|---------|-----|------------------|
| Sweden | 480 days (shared) | 80% for 390 days | 90 'daddy/mommy months' reserved |
| Germany | Up to 3 years (Elternzeit) | 65–67% for 12–14 months (Elterngeld) | Partner bonus months |
| Canada | 35–61 weeks (standard/extended) | 55% or 33% | After 15-week maternity |
| Japan | Until child is 1 (or 2 with extensions) | 67% for 6 months, 50% after | Ikumen push |
| US | FMLA: 12 weeks unpaid | $0 (unless state program) | No federal paid leave |

### Non-Transferable Quotas

Countries like Sweden, Norway, and Germany reserve a portion of parental leave exclusively for each parent ('use it or lose it'), encouraging fathers to take leave.

### Employer Benefits

Many top employers supplement statutory parental leave: Google offers 18–24 weeks, Netflix offers up to 1 year, and some European firms top up to 100% of salary.