Working parents have their hands full. How can employers ease their burdens so they can be their best selves at work and at home?
In this week’s top stories, navigating healthcare continues to be a huge challenge for families — especially when someone needs support in the wake of a cancer diagnosis. Allison Mertzman, a social media influencer and stay at home mom, was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer last September. Mertzman estimates her family spent nearly $20,000 in the first two months of 2022 alone, and her wife has been left to navigate complex leave policies and programs. On top of that, they were caring for their two young daughters.
“People don't understand what a diagnosis like that does to a family,” says Mertzman. While Mertzman’s wife was able to get paid leave from her employer, she shares how challenging it’s been to navigate the complexities of cancer with her family responsibilities.
Read more: Supporting workers with a chronic illness: Tips from a cancer survivor and CEO
For families who turn to the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace, a “family glitch” may make that insurance just the opposite. As long as an employer offers an employee-only plan that meets the income requirements and is deemed affordable for the individual, the IRS will not consider that employee or their family as in need of ACA help. See what this means for your healthcare options.
And ahead of Father’s Day, Maven’s SVP of people, Karsten Vagner, shares why it’s so important for working dads to take their parental leave. Maven offers all parents 16 weeks, and requires them to take it. Here’s why other employers need to follow suit.