Committee Focuses on Family Leave, Flexible Workplace Policies

The importance of strong paid family leave policies in fostering a positive and productive workplace was among the key topics the Bay Area Council Gender Equity and Diversity Committee focused on during its recent meeting. Andrew Giacomini and Megan Oliver Thompson of Hanson Bridgett partnered with committee Co-Chair Christopher Ruhl of PwC to lead the discussion, which also emphasized the importance of flexible workplace policies in supporting employees returning from leave. Bay Area Council Economic Institute Research Director Patrick Kallerman also shared highlights on Governor Newsom’s paid family leave task force. The task force is in the process of evaluating the current California Paid Family Leave plan and making recommendations for improvements. Governor Newsom recently announced an extension of the Paid Family Leave policy from the current period of six weeks to eight weeks per caregiver, effective July 1, 2020. The Gender Equity & Diversity Committee will continue to play a vital role in championing the issue of paid family leave as these policies are developed. To get involved. please contact Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Linda Bidrossian.