IN THE US WORKPLACE …

According to the Time magazine, July 23, 2007, adoption is becoming an employment issue in the U.S.A. as many workers seek help from their employers. With more and more women delaying parenthood to pursue careers during childbearing years, they look at different avenues to build families.

Many women find themselves seeking out adoption-friendly workplaces, some offering $5,000 in assistance per adopted child, plus six weeks of paid leave. Companies who are hungry to attract and keep talent, have added adoption assistance to their buffet of benefits. “In 1990, only 12% of 1,000 companies surveyed by Hewitt Associates offered financial assistance for adoption. By 2006, 45% of companies did.

It is estimated that in 2007 half of U.S. employers provide adoption benefits and that within five years these offerings will be considered standard.”

“Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, may have kicked off the trend 15 years ago when he began urging other CEOs to assist employees with adoption. Himself an adoptee, Thomas started his foundation to help find permanent homes for children in the U.S. foster-care system.”

As adoption assistance is not covered by medical insurance, the employers must foot the bill and in doing so, find that they are reaping rewards such as employee loyalty, gratitude and community goodwill.

HEY ... have you heard about FLAT DADS?

American homes with military dads have come up with a novel idea. Life-size cutouts of their dads (and some moms) with photos enlarged, printed and glued onto foam boards. The Flat Dad serves as a reminder to young kids of what their dad looks like. Participating families say it helps them feel connected to their absent fathers as these take their place at family dinners, church, soccer games, parties and anything else they can think of. A great idea, is it not?