The Ethical Optimist

Here in NJ, there has been quite a bit of controversy regarding a proposed family leave bill.  As a small business owner, I’m bombarded by my local and state chambers of commerce to fight this legislation.

In a nutshell, the legislation would create a family leave program that would allow workers to receive approximately $502 per week for time off to care for a newborn, newly adopted child or ill family member.

Pro-business organizations contend that it is not employer friendly, will cost companies too much money, and will further position the state as anti-business.

The amount of paid time an employee would be able to take would be six weeks (from an originally proposed 12 weeks).  The monies would be funded by the employees themselves via a payroll deduction totally 64 cents per week, or just $33 per year.

According to my local newspaper, the Asbury Park Press, “Advocacy groups say the measure would provide workers income if they use an unpaid family leave that’s already law. Business groups say it will disrupt their operations and cripple small business.”

As a small business person who focuses on social responsibility, I’m in favor of the legislation because I feel it is family friendly.  I think women in the workplace, who bear the bulk of child rearing and family care, are the ones who suffer most when they have to take time off, and they need to be supported.

As to “crippling” my business, I say nonsense.  No one employee should be that critical that temps and co-workers can’t fill in for a six week period.  Moreover, based on my experience in running two small businesses, I doubt many employees would take advantage of it unless absolutely necessary.

While it may cause some inconvenience, I don’t feel it is anything we as a business couldn’t handle. On the plus side, it is also funded by the employees, so there’s no direct financial burden to the business unless we have to hire temps to cover.

That said, it’s a minor price to pay for the loyalty of one’s employees and knowing you’ve treated them with the respect and compassion they deserve.