Employers’ Perceived Career Impact of Canada’s Parental-Leave Extension from 35 to 61 Weeks—“An Empty Gift”

Introduced in 1990, Canadian parental-leave policy has seen several iterations. The most recent change, introduced December 2017, extended parental leave from 35 to 61 weeks, resulting longer work interruptions. Forty-six structured interviews were conducted explore employers’ perception of how use the new may impact employees’ careers. Though some employers offered explicit support for employees, a large proportion felt that would negatively presence unions appeared insulate employees career impact. A thematic analysis revealed perceived by resulted concern missed opportunities (e.g., training, promotions), length absence, specific employment situations role, level organization, ambitions, and tenure with organization), gendered views employee use. Given vast majority users continue be women, this research highlights considerable workplace stigma interruptions only serve exacerbate stigma, especially women. Recommendations implications policy, workers, are discussed.