CEO Marissa Mayer Brings Positive News for Yahoo Team

Marissa Mayer, CEO of Yahoo, has extended company policy regarding maternity leaves, not only for the female members of the staff, but the men as well. This move has almost doubled up the amount allocated for new parents in terms of leave with pay. Female members of the Yahoo staff are now allowed to take paid maternity leave including benefits for up to 16 weeks, while the fathers can enjoy theirs for up to 8 weeks. Additionally, other employees may avail of paid leaves of up to 8 weeks should they decide to consider child adoption.

Repairing the damage

This news brings Marissa Mayer back into a positive light following an uproar that put her mother image at risk, after she put a stop to telecommuting about 2 months back. It can be recalled that Marissa Mayer took on the position of Yahoo CEO during the time when she was on her fifth month of pregnancy, proceeding to take a maternity leave for only 2 weeks before getting back to work. This decision brought in a lot of praise, but criticism was huge as well. The praise was coming from those who appreciated how being a new parent had not kept her from managing her position in such a large company. The critics though had something to say – that she had failed in setting more reasonable expectations from the working mothers in the U.S. Soon after, the CEO caused another debate after deciding to put an end to the telecommuting policy of the company. The employees who had been working at home according to their agreements with the company were advised to work at the office. If not, they would need to look for work elsewhere.

With this new turn of events, there is clearly a considerable increase in store for the Yahoo employees, especially the mothers who are expecting to double the amount they get paid for time off from work. The last policy gave mothers only 8 weeks that were paid for by the company, after giving birth. Those who had to undergo C-section were given 10 weeks paid leave. Yahoo has also pledged $500 for new parents to help with expenses on groceries, babysitters, and other necessities, along with baby gifts that are Yahoo-branded. The decision of Ms Mayer may be an invaluable tool in repairing whatever damage was done after the telecommuting issue.

A long-term strategy

According to some observers, the new move may also be a wise strategy in attracting, as well as preserving even more talent in the company. The result would be an improvement in the financial performance of Yahoo. Rachel Slar, blogger from New York and “Li.st” founder calls it a “smart move,” She adds that it shows a more permanent strategy and a big precedent. When companies are able to provide their employees with just about everything, including free lunches or places for daycare as they do in Google, there is nothing that can divert their attention from work and will ultimately produce better financial results for the company.