The competition for talent is fiercer than ever, and family-friendly policies have become a critical differentiator.
The UK Parental Leave & Family Support Benchmark 2025 from Bright Horizons reveals how more than 300 employers are evolving their approach to parental leave, flexible working, and family support to attract and retain top talent.
Key highlights include:
- 66% of employers now offer 12+ weeks of fully paid maternity/adoption leave
- 78% enhance paternity leave, and a quarter now offer equal leave regardless of gender
- Growing investment in manager training, phased returns, parents’ networks, and back-up care
This practical, data-packed report helps HR leaders answer the big question: What does good look like? – and gives you the insight you need to strengthen your policies for 2026.
Chernelle Vaughan is a Marketing Manager at HRreview, an HR news, opinion, and advice publication. She is an author and content creator who contributes articles and hosts podcasts covering contemporary workplace topics including employee experience, remote working, generational workplace dynamics, and organizational culture. She holds education from the University of Westminster and is based in Merton, England.
- Chernelle Vaughan
- Chernelle Vaughan
- Chernelle Vaughan
- Chernelle Vaughan
