Even though Labor Department reports show that fewer than 15% of private sector employees are covered by paid leave programs, more states are looking for ways to help employees cope with the difficulties of caring for family members of all ages. In addition to California, New Jersey and Rhode Island that have had programs in place for a long time, New York, Washington and the District of Columbia have passed similar laws.

While most private sector programs provide paid maternity and parental leave, more and more employers are looking for ways to help employees caring for elderly parents or family members facing serious health conditions. An increasing number of employers are providing on-site daycare facilities to reduce absenteeism. Those that lack the facilities are lowering stress levels for parents by helping to subsidize their daycare expenses.

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