19 companies that offer some of the best parental leave policies in America

Joe Cheng/FlickrHere are some companies that are making life for new parents that much better.

In August 2015, Netflix made a huge announcement — the company’s new moms and dads can take off as much time as they want during the first year after their child’s birth or adoption.

By announcing this policy, Netflix not only joined the ranks of several major companies, but it also led the way for many more that have instituted radical parental leave policies at odds with the country’s lack of mandatory paid parental leave.

While US policymakers have been slow to acknowledge the benefits of guaranteeing paid time spent with a new child, companies like Netflix say they want their employees to be able to balance the needs of their growing families without worrying about work or finances.

“Experience shows people perform better at work when they’re not worrying about home,” Tawni Cranz, Netflix’s chief talent officer, wrote on Netflix’s blog. “This new policy, combined with our unlimited time off, allows employees to be supported during the changes in their lives and return to work more focused and dedicated.”

Here are some companies that are making life for new parents that much better with generous parental leave policies: