Pa. employees to receive increased paid parental leave, new benefits

Expanded paid parental leave and bolstered work-life support through the State Employee Assistance Program (SEAP) are new benefits available to Pennsylvania employees.

The benefits were announced Thursday by the Shapiro Administration. According to a release, the benefits are aimed at supporting a “healthy work-life balance” for state employees and will help Pennsylvania “attract and recruit highly skilled and talented employees.”

Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement Thursday that his administration seeks to provide state employees “with the resources and support they need at home so they can do their best work on the job.”

Said Shapiro, “Whether it is welcoming a new addition to the family, caring for an aging parent, or simply finding a reliable mechanic to repair their vehicle so they can go to work, these new benefits are here for our employees when they need them and underscore our Administration’s commitment to their wellbeing and their families.”

The expanded benefits allow eligible employees to take up to eight weeks of paid parental leave following the qualifying birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child that occurs on or after Feb. 15, within six months of the qualifying event. The leave can be taken by either parent and will count towards their Family and Medical Leave entitlement.

“There are approximately 1,900 births, adoptions, and foster care placements among commonwealth employees’ families every year,” Office of Administration Secretary Neil Weaver said. “Paid parental leave not only provides financial security and healthier outcomes during a joyful time in our workers’ lives, but also bolsters the commonwealth’s hiring, recruitment, and retention efforts as we strive to be one of the top employers in the nation.” 

Also expanded by the Shapiro Administration are the support services available through the SEAP in 2024 in which state employees can access a free concierge service that can find local resources for child or elder care, home or vehicle repairs, pet needs, education, and career support, and managing health conditions.

Another new benefit allows employees to enlist the services of a care manager to develop a plan of care or receive in-the-moment support as they care for loved ones, including help with coordinating transportation or meals, recommendations for home modifications to improve safety, and locating the best options for in-home care.

The SEAP program is available to all state employees and their families. Other services through SEAP include the following:

• Access to no-cost, confidential counseling sessions. 
• Resources for improving mental health. 
• Recovering from substance misuse or addiction. 
• Navigating financial and legal matters.