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Understanding Parental Leave Experiences: Connecting the Dots With a Multiple-Methods Approach
Community, Work & Family
  • Julia M. Goodman, Portland State University
  • Dawn M. Richardson, Portland State University
  • Anna Steeves-Reece, OHSU-PSU School of Public Health
  • Lisset Dumet Poma, Oregon Health and Science University
  • Anna Plumb, Multnomah County
  • Kristin Wray, Multnomah County
  • David A. Hurtado, OHSU-PSU School of Public Health
Document Type
Citation
Publication Date
10-1-2019
Disciplines
Abstract

This research note draws selected findings from a multiple-methods study conducted in partnership with a large public-sector employer in Portland, OR to describe the added value of this approach for research translation. We focus on how our study of a newly implemented paid parental leave policy can translate to actionable steps for two important end-users: employers and policymakers. Using administrative records (N = 579), a countywide employee survey (N = 137 leave-takers) and focus groups (N = 35), we describe how each data source contributes important and unique information about how the policy’s implementation affected diverse employees. We find gender differences in how employees changed leave-taking in response to the policy, and describe the critical but nuanced role that supervisors play. Working with employers and policymakers to develop and implement thoughtful policies will help to ensure equitable distribution of the benefits of paid leave policies.

Description

© 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

DOI
10.1080/13668803.2019.1629874
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/30069
Citation Information
Goodman, J. M., Richardson, D. M., Steeves-Reece, A., Poma, L. D., Plumb, A., Wray, K., & Hurtado, D. A. (2019). Understanding parental leave experiences: connecting the dots with a multiple-methods approach. Community, Work & Family, 22(4), 512-526.