Forward Thinking

Sometimes we have to look overseas for good examples.  Case in point: Brazil.  That country's congress recently approved tax incentives for companies to provide six months of paid maternity leave in an effort to allow mothers to breastfeed for longer.  (Actually, to be completely accurate, the companies really have to pay employes for two months which would supplement the four months of full-salary leave the government currently funds.  The bill only affects people employed by companies in government-registered jobs.  It's optional for other businesses).  The rationale is that babies who are breastfed longer have fewer health issues. 

It's no secret that one of the major reasons women stop breastfeeding is that they need to return to work and most workplaces don't offer a comfortable and private place to pump.  In fact in this week's poll, we ask whether a longer maternity leave would enable you to breastfeed longer (see below).  So far 100% of you have said yes.   I'll leave the poll open a little longer so take the time to cast your vote!

It'll cost the Brazilian government $308 million of lost revenue annually if all companies offer the benefit.  But we've also seen studies that show people who feel their companies are putting their employees welfare first have high morale and productivity.  Sometimes the greater gain comes with long-term vision.  We, in the U.S. could look to Brazil for a lesson!