ST. PAUL, Minn.–Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union has introduced a new parental-leave employee benefit that grants parents of birth or adopted children six weeks of leave at 100% of their pay.
The credit union said the new benefit covers all Affinity Plus employees – both mothers and fathers – across Minnesota who work at least part time. In a statement, Affinity Plus HR officials said they anticipate many parents will use the fully paid leave as part of the 12 weeks of leave credit union employees are eligible to take after birth or adoption of a child.
The new benefit was unveiled during the credit union’s annual All Employee Day in Bloomington, Minn. News of the new benefit brought “cheers and a standing ovation from staff and tears from several expectant parents in the audience,” the credit union said.
“I was floored. I definitely started crying,” said Stephanie Grundtner of Minneapolis, a member advisor at Affinity Plus’ University branch. At the time, Grundtner was pregnant with her first children – twins. She gave birth to Hugh William and Ross Daniel March 9 and is caring for the boys at home. “It’s such a human, important decision to offer paid parental leave, and I love it’s not just for moms.”
Dave Larson, Affinity Plus president/CEO, said the credit union’s daily work with members is based on its core values of caring, excellence and integrity. Those same values apply to supporting staff, he said.
“Affinity Plus is a close-knit group, and we know this parental-leave benefit impacts parents and families both emotionally and financially,” said Larson. “We want mothers and fathers to be able to focus completely on their children, and not their finances, for a little while. When we saw the staff reaction on All Employee Day, it gave me confidence we’d made the right decision.”
Wendy Berry, assistant manager in Affinity Plus’ HR department, said the new benefit will also help in recruiting and retaining staff.