Business Leaders Praise FAMILY Act as Delivering High Value at Low Cost

Washington, DC – Today, the leading policy advocacy group for responsible businesses released a statement praising the paid family leave plan introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Rosa DeLauro. The following statement may be attributed to Hammad Atassi, CEO of the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC):

“Paid leave should be the law of the land. The United States is not only lagging behind all other developed nations in promoting the welfare of its employees and their families, we are actively harming the economy by not doing so.

“The FAMILY Act is a common-sense, low-cost program that would help U.S. businesses retain employees, drive business costs down, as well as boost productivity and profits. Jointly funded by small contributions from both employers and employees, the FAMILY Act delivers high value at a very low cost.”

Member companies of the ASBC also voiced support for the bill. Mim Senft, CEO, Motivity Partnerships said, “Having national paid leave will be a step in the right direction to closing the gender equity gap in the workplace. The states that have already enacted paid leave policies report no decline in profit or productivity. They also report benefits from the change through reduced employee turnover. It will benefit both employers and employees.” 

Paid leave is a key component of what ASBC calls the high-road workplace. Companies that follow the high road, value their employees, the communities in which they operate, and the products and services they provide as equally important to their financial success. High-road companies that implement paid leave programs understand that workers’ personal lives can impact their work lives. By taking the needs of their workers into consideration, high road companies reap the benefit of happy, productive employees and lower hiring and training costs.

ASBC has published a business sign-on statement. Business owners and executives are encouraged to sign on to show their support.

The American Sustainable Business Council advocates for policy change and informs business owners, policymakers and the public about the need and opportunities for building a vibrant, sustainable economy. Through its national member network it represents more than 250,000 businesses in a wide range of industries. www.asbcouncil.org