How can you negotiate a contract that includes paid parental leave?

1 Know your rights

Before you start negotiating, you should research the legal and industry standards for paid parental leave in your country, state, or sector. You may have some entitlements or protections that you can use as a baseline or leverage. For example, some countries have mandatory paid maternity or paternity leave, or require employers to provide a certain amount of unpaid leave. Some industries or professions may have collective agreements or norms that you can refer to. Knowing your rights can help you set realistic expectations and avoid being exploited.

2 Know your value

Another important step is to assess your value as an employee and how your skills, experience, and performance contribute to your employer's success. You should be able to demonstrate your achievements and impact, and how you plan to continue delivering results after your leave. You should also highlight any unique or in-demand skills that make you hard to replace or justify your request. Knowing your value can help you build a strong case and show your employer that you are worth investing in.

3 Know your needs

You should also have a clear idea of what you need and want from your paid parental leave. You should consider factors such as the duration, timing, flexibility, and compensation of your leave, and how they align with your personal and professional goals. You should also think about any trade-offs or alternatives that you are willing to accept or propose, such as working part-time, taking a pay cut, or extending your contract. Knowing your needs can help you prioritize your preferences and negotiate effectively.

4 Know your employer

Before you approach your employer, you should try to understand their perspective and interests. You should research their policies, culture, and financial situation, and how they have handled similar requests in the past. You should also identify the key decision-makers and influencers, and how to communicate with them. You should anticipate any objections or concerns that they may have, and prepare responses or solutions. Knowing your employer can help you tailor your proposal and address their needs.

6 Follow up and finalize

After you make your proposal, you should follow up with your employer and confirm the outcome in writing. You should thank them for their consideration and cooperation, and restate the main points and terms of the agreement. You should also clarify any details or expectations, and ask for any documentation or confirmation that you need. You should also keep in touch with your employer during your leave, and update them on your plans and progress. Following up and finalizing can help you secure your contract and maintain a positive relationship with your employer.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?