New report examines barriers to paid family medical leave, especially for men

A new report from the think tank New America finds that nearly half of the parents surveyed took less than two days off work after the birth or adoption of a child. Here’s more: 

• Differences: 48% of fathers have taken some amount of time off, versus 55% of mothers. Those numbers are lower among working parents — 28% of working fathers took leave compared to 31% of working moms. 
• Paid leave: About two-thirds of the men who took time off reported receiving some pay, compared to 53% of women. Parents who earned $30,000 or less were about half as likely to get some paid leave as those who earned $100,000 or more. 
• Barriers: A majority of people believe financial concerns are why men don’t take time off. About a third of those surveyed believe supportive managers help men take leave.