#1: “About” Info for a Law Firm
Published at https://esworthylaw.com/
About Esworthy Law
Esworthy Law is a full-service firm led by attorney Justin W. Esworthy. Esworthy Law attorneys have more than 15 years of experience delivering favorable results for both civil and criminal clients, trying hundreds of cases in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
Esworthy Law provides a wide range of legal services, including help with traffic violations, DUI/DWIs, trusts, wills, and estate planning, and criminal litigation, for northern Baltimore County and the surrounding area.
You don’t need to face overwhelming legal challenges alone. And working with the wrong attorney could cost you thousands in fees and hours of time. Contact the Esworthy Law team today to hear how they can help you.
#2: Info Page About Companies with the Best Maternity Leave Policies
Published at https://www.inhersight.com/companies/best/reviews/maternity-leave
The 20 Best Companies for Maternity and Adoptive Leave
As Rated by the Women Who Work There (February 2023)
Are you growing your family - or simply interested in working at a company that supports maternity and adoptive leave? Check out these 20 companies, ranked as the best when it comes to employee-friendly maternity and adoptive leave policies, according to ratings from the women who currently work or have worked there.
Maternity and Adoptive Leave Meaning and How We Rate It
Maternity leave, specifically, refers to the period of time a mother takes off work following (and sometimes starting prior to) the birth of her baby (for a father, this is typically referred to as paternity leave). Adoptive leave is the time an employee takes off after adopting a child.
Our list of the Best Companies for Maternity and Adoptive Leave is based on ratings and reviews from millions of working women who have rated their current or former employer on 18 factors of women friendliness, including maternity and adoptive leave. (If you haven’t yet, make sure to rate your company on how women-friendly it is.)
We define the category of “maternity and adoptive leave” as referring to any paid parental leave policies, job security for people taking maternity and adoptive leave, and support for returning moms.
Everyone has different individual needs and preferences when it comes to the maternity and adoptive policies they are looking for. To get an idea of which companies are most supportive of these policies, we asked reviewers to consider the length of their leave, whether it’s paid or unpaid, their ability to take maternity and adoptive leave without penalty or discrimination, and your company’s support of time off for moms. They rated their companies’ overall maternity and adoptive leave policy on a scale from 1-5 stars (5 being the best).
These 20 companies received the highest average ratings in this category, out of 5 stars.
[LIST]
Maternity Leave Laws in the United States
The United States has a terrible reputation when it comes to maternity leave policies, known for being one of the most advanced, rich countries in the world with the least parent-friendly workplace policies.
Here’s a quick snapshot of maternity policies around the world to illustrate the problem:
Guaranteed Paid Parental Leave at the National Level*
United States: 0 weeks
Britain: 39 weeks
Japan: 52 weeks or more
Sweden: 68 weeks
Estonia: 82 weeks or more
*Per The Washington Post and the WORLD Policy Analysis Center.
While there’s no federal program for maternity leave in the United States, many people rely on the Family and Medical Leave Act, commonly known as FMLA. This allows qualifying employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year, so new mothers can take time off without worrying about losing their jobs.
But - it doesn’t apply to every company. Small companies with fewer than 50 employees aren’t protected by FMLA. And, even at qualifying companies, employees have to have worked there a certain amount of hours. And, the time is unpaid.
Even with (some) laws to protect them, women feel nervous about taking time off for pregnancy and birth (read more in our pregnancy discrimination guide).
So what do women do when they have a baby, and want to (rightfully so) keep their jobs? Some people use vacation time during some of their maternity leave so that they do get paid. Some companies allow for a portion of a woman’s salary to be received during maternity leave. Other companies have stepped up and offered 12 weeks or more of fully paid maternity/parental leave.
In addition to some standout companies, there has been progress for federal employees. As of October 1, 2020, federal employees can take up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child, per the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act (FEPLA).
Have more questions about FMLA and maternity leave? See our guide here.
Maternity Leave for Men (Paternity Leave)
More than half of the world’s countries have a federal policy of parental leave for fathers. The United States is, unsurprisingly, not among them. Many men are covered by FMLA and can take their 12 weeks of unpaid leave while not losing their job.
The good news is about 45% of companies do offer some kind of paid paternity leave. But only five states and Washington, D.C have laws in place supporting paid paternity leave.
Have more questions about paternity leave? See our guide here.
Paid Adoption Leave
About 135,000 children are adopted by U.S. families every year - meaning there are a lot of parents needing time off to care for their new family members.
FEPLA also allows for paid adoption leave, and FMLA for unpaid leave. Similar to its parental leave policies, the United States is lagging on adoptive policies.
That’s why it’s always important to research the companies leading the way in parental benefits. InHerSight’s ratings and family benefits research is an excellent place to start.
Are you happy with your company’s maternity and adoptive leave policies? Let us know. Rate your company here.
#3: “About” Page for Investing Newsletter and Community
Money Morning: Your Daily Map to Financial Freedom
The biggest challenge facing investors today is an almost complete lack of confidence.
Confidence in our financial markets, our bankers, our regulators, and, of course, our political leaders. And no wonder.
These days, it's hard enough just to keep your money, let alone try to grow it. We're living in a new world of out-of-control government debt… high-frequency trading… corrupt politicians… a slow growth economy… and Wall Streeters bent on absconding with your money.
The solution is not to abandon the world of investing, but rather to recognize that it's a different world today – with a different set of rules.
Play by the old rules, and you lose. Understand the new rules… and you win the game.
That's what Money Morning is all about.
Whether you're just starting out or planning your retirement, your membership to Money Morning gives you actionable information you need to enjoy financial independence.
That means you get daily recommendations to help you make big gains… earn above average income on your money… discover overseas companies and booming new emerging markets… get insider tips and stock recommendations, track the latest investments in technology, biotech and energy, and even learn how to protect yourself from the looming debt crisis.
In all, you're going to know how to make money every step of the way, through all of colossal shifts in social, political, and economic power we're living through right now.
Here's to securing your financial freedom in the new global economy.
Good Investing,
xxxxxxxx
Publisher