Two recent reports on paid family and medical leave say employees and employers in Arkansas could benefit from more generous policies. The first, from Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America, drew on two surveys of parents and employers in Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi and Nebraska, states without state-funded parental leave mandates. The employer survey found that 15.5% of Arkansas employers offer company-funded parental leave, compared with 16% in Mississippi, 27.3% in Illinois and 28.6% in Nebraska. The second report, from Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, collected views from five focus groups with 35 participants.
Economist Emily Oster, lead researcher of the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies study, said the research fills a gap in data for states where leave is optional for private-sector employees. She said the national debate has relied almost entirely on data from California or New York. The surveys were conducted between February and June. Oster said a 10% increase in retention of female employees could save Arkansas employers an estimated $9.5 million per year in hiring, training and productivity costs, according to the research.
Survey results showed more Arkansas parents are using employer-provided parental leave when it is available. Among parents whose most recent child was born between 2022 and 2026, 42% of fathers and 35% of mothers reported using it. For parents whose most recent child was born between 2008 and 2013, the figures were 15% of fathers and 11% of mothers. Oster said the higher rate among fathers reflects differences in labor force participation.