Maternity leave is the legal right of every woman, and while countrywide laws differ, each woman needs at least a couple of months to tend to her newborn, and recover physically and emotionally from childbirth, before she gets back to the grind. Not only that, a lot of countries also recognise parental leave (different from paternity leave that does not go beyond a few weeks), where either of the parents can take a certain number of leaves when he/she becomes a parent. And when it comes to maternity leave policies, these 7 countries are setting an example…1. BulgariaBulgaria provides the world’s most extensive paid maternity leave benefits to new mothers. The government provides Bulgarian mothers with 58.6 weeks (approximately 410 days) of paid leave, which begins 45 days before their delivery. The majority of mothers maintain their full pay at 90% of their regular salary during this time period. Parents can continue to receive monthly payments after official maternity leave, until their child reaches age two.
Leave length: 58.6 weeks (410 days)Pay: 90% of salaryBonus: An additional allowance until child turns two2. EstoniaThe parents of Estonia enjoy one of the most comprehensive support networks in the world. The government of Estonia provides mothers with 140 days of complete maternity pay. Parents have access to 435 days (over 62 weeks) of shared leave through parental leave, which they can use together at 100% pay. Families receive almost eighteen months of work-free time, while receiving financial stability.Leave length: 82 weeks (combined)Pay: 100% for first 20 weeks, then parental leave at full payFlexibility: Leave can be shared and spread out until the child’s third birthday3. SwedenSweden is famous for its family-friendly policies. The Swedish parental leave system provides 480 days (about 68 weeks) of paid time for mothers and fathers to share. Most of the paid leave period grants 80% of regular salary to parents, while extra days become available for multiple births. The system reserves a specific period of leave exclusively for fathers. Through this program, both fathers and mothers receive paid time off to care for their newborn child.Leave length: 480 days (68 weeks), shared between parentsPay: 80% of salary for the first 390 daysKey point: Dads get 90 paid days reserved for bonding4. NorwayParents in Norway have the option to take 49 weeks of full pay, or extend their leave to 59 weeks at 80% pay. The leave can be divided between mother and father. Every parent receives at least 15 weeks of leave that must be used, to allow fathers more time with their newborn babies. The Norwegian parental leave system gives families the ability to select the best approach that matches their needs.Leave length: 49 weeks at 100% or 59 weeks at 80%Pay: 100% or 80% of salary (family’s choice)Highlight: Non-transferable leave for each parent to boost father involvement5. CroatiaThe Croatian government provides all mothers with at least 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, during which they receive their full salary. Mothers in this country begin their maternity leave thirty days before birth, and receive additional time after giving birth. The parental leave system allows parents to share time off work for a total period of about 8 months while receiving payment for part of that time.
Leave length: Up to 58 weeks (maternity plus parental)Pay: Full salary for most of the initial periodExtra: Pregnant employees can take paid time off for prenatal checkups6. SlovakiaThe government of Slovakia gives special support to mothers who work. A mother in Slovakia receives paid maternity leave for 34 weeks, that amounts to eight months. The majority of mothers get 75% of their regular compensation throughout this period. Parents in the country can use leave transfer and splitting options to meet their family needs.Leave length: 34 weeksPay: 75% of salarySpecial note: Some leave can be transferred between parents7. CanadaThe maternity and parental leave duration in Canada, extends for a long period. The standard maternity leave duration in Canada is 15 weeks, while mothers earn 55% of their average income. Parents who use up their 15 weeks of leave, can take an extra 35 weeks of parental time (also paid at 55%), or select extended parental leave of up to 69 weeks at 33% pay. Canadian families can use the extended leave benefits to maintain income, while caring for their newborn for more than one year.Leave length: 50 weeks (standard) or 69 weeks (extended)Pay: 55% (standard) or 33% (extended)Flexible: Parents can split and extend their leaveSourcesSafeguard GlobalPamGroExpatriate HealthcareEmerald Technology
