Richland County employees to benefit from new paid parental leave policy
October 5, 2023
County becomes only the second in state to implement plan
Richland County Council approved a paid parental leave policy for all full-time and part-time employees during Council’s regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, Oct. 3. The new policy will take effect Jan. 1, 2024, making Richland one of the first counties in the state to adopt one.
Approval of the paid parental leave policy aligns with Richland County’s strategic plan to establish operational excellence and maintain a highly inclusive work culture with an equity-based experience for all. Eligible staff will receive:
- Six weeks of paid leave for both parents and co-parents
- Paid leave for parents experiencing the placement of a foster child 12 months or younger
- Paid leave for employees who experience a still birth
“We should be extremely proud of Richland County and this Council for supporting our employees in making paid parental leave a reality,” said Jesica Mackey, District 9 Councilwoman and vice chair of Richland County Council.
Mackey added that the policy’s adoption also will bolster the County’s stature as an employer of choice in South Carolina.
“This move will prove highly effective in the County’s ability to recruit and retain employees, which will contribute to our already dynamic workforce,” Mackey said.
