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Life is filled with defining moments — welcoming a new baby, caring for a loved one in crisis, or navigating a personal health challenge. These are times when being present isn't just important; it's essential. But too often, work obligations can make it difficult for families to be there when it matters most.
That’s where Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) comes in. PFML can provide employees with the time and financial support they need to step away from work and focus on what truly counts — health, family, and recovery.
Bonding Leave
One of the primary reasons many take advantage of Paid Family and Medical Leave is to bond with a new child. When a child is born to new parents or when a family grows by adoption, parents often take time away from work to spend time with the newest addition.
Balancing work and family life is a challenge for many parents, especially during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and the early days of parenthood. Paid Family and Medical Leave can play a role in supporting parents’ health and financial stability.
For mothers, having adequate recovery time after childbirth is essential for preventing postpartum complications such as infections, depression, and long-term health issues. A 2024 study found that state Paid Family and Medical Leave significantly reduced the risk of postpartum depression and improved maternal mental health overall. By evaluating data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System across 43 states, the researchers also found that mothers in states with strong family and medical leave programs were more likely to breastfeed successfully and receive postpartum medical care.
Paid parental leave can also have positive impacts in the workplace. In 2023, researchers evaluated dozens of studies that documented the effects of paid parental leave, and ultimately they concluded that paid leave policies increased employee morale, engagement, and retention. A McKinsey study reported that fathers who take leave are more likely to return to work and stay longer with their employer.
Caregiver Leave
Paid Family and Medical Leave is also there for families in life’s more difficult moments. While bonding leave is a wonderful reason to step away from work and focus on family, PFML can also offer support for employees who need to take time away from work to care for a sick family member.
PFML can be beneficial for caregivers of family members with serious health conditions that may come with aging, as it can enable them to provide essential care without sacrificing their financial stability. A study published in the Gerontological Society of America’s Innovation in Aging found that access to PFML allows family caregivers to spend more time assisting older relatives, which is crucial during medical recovery or rehabilitation. This support can help caregivers focus on their loved ones without the added stress of lost income.
Additionally, research by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s indicates that 55% of employed dementia caregivers reported that access to Paid Family and Medical Leave improved their emotional well-being, highlighting the positive impact of paid leave on both caregivers and those they care for.
These findings underscore how PFML might play a part in supporting caregivers, ensuring they can fulfill their caregiving responsibilities while maintaining their own health and financial security.
Being There for Families When it Matters Most
When life throws us a curveball or reaches a joyful milestone, the last thing anyone should worry about is whether they can afford to take time off work. Paid Family and Medical Leave empowers individuals to prioritize their health and their loved ones without sacrificing their financial stability.
Every year, more states explore the adoption of Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs to ensure individuals can care for their loved ones or bond with a new child — without risking their financial security. As of 2025, over a dozen states have enacted laws mandating PFML, while many others offer voluntary programs or provide paid leave benefits for public employees.
At ShelterPoint, PFML is at the heart of what we do. These programs help support working families, whether it’s welcoming a new child or caring for someone during a health crisis. Because ultimately, being there — for the hard days, the healing days, and the heartwarming ones — makes all the difference.
As more states advance PFML legislation and existing programs evolve, you can stay informed by signing up for updates here or exploring our comprehensive PFML resources.
The ShelterPoint family of companies operates under the “ShelterPoint” name strictly as a marketing name, and no legal significance is expressed or implied. The ShelterPoint family of companies consists of ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company a NY-domiciled carrier (principal office in Garden City, NY) and its wholly-owned subsidiary ShelterPoint Insurance Company, a FL-domiciled carrier, with licensing depending on the state.
This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal counsel. Please consult with an appropriate professional for legal and compliance advice.