The Power of Paid Parental Leave: Dr. Grotto’s Research on Employee Commitment and Workplace Support

Dr. Angela Grotto, Associate Professor in the Management department, recently published an article, “When It’s Better Than Expected: A Quasi-Experimental Study of Firm-Provided Paid Parental Leave and Employee Organizational Commitment,” in the International Journal of Human Resource Management. Co-authored with a colleague from Sacred Heart University, the study explores how paid parental leave affects employee commitment.

The research found that when companies voluntarily provide paid parental leave, it sends a powerful signal of inclusivity and support. This benefit led to an increase in employee commitment, particularly among U.S. employees, who may not expect such policies compared to their U.K. counterparts. The effect was especially pronounced for U.S. men under 50, a group that may benefit from but typically does not anticipate paid paternity leave.

Beyond her research, Dr. Grotto also delivered the keynote address at the Private Risk Management Association’s Inaugural Women in Insurance Event. Her talk, “Where Do You Draw Your Line? Managing Blurred Work-Life Boundaries,” focused on strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance in today’s demanding professional world.

Her work highlights the importance of organizational policies that support employees and foster greater commitment, ultimately benefiting both workers and businesses alike.