As major contributors to the economy and culture of the state, Michigan’s workforce deserves support that considers the full spectrum of their needs. From the perspective of a small business owner who launched her career as a single mother, I strongly advocate for a paid family and medical leave policy in Michigan. I began my journey as a single mother during my sophomore year at Lawrence Technological University and after graduating in 2009, finding a satisfactory job in architecture was challenging. This led me to create our architecture studio, Synecdoche, which has now grown to accommodate a team of five.

From personal experience, support provided by a community can make a significant difference in career growth. Implementing a paid leave program in Michigan could offer similar support, especially for those who lack a ready community that can assist them. This could be particularly beneficial for women managing their careers and motherhood.

Synecdoche has recently implemented a 12-week paid family leave policy, highlighting how small businesses can adapt to support employees. Formalizing such policies at a state-level would be beneficial not only for employees but also for businesses who would have a guideline to follow. Having these kind of policies can save businesses costs related to talent acquisition and employee retention, and can also improve productivity and employee morale.

Given the demographic and economic challenges facing Michigan, implementing such a policy should be a priority. Results from nationwide polls suggest a majority of potential movers would consider paid family and medical leave when choosing their next location. This shows the benefits such policies have on attracting talent and growing our economy. Despite bills being introduced over a year ago, there have yet to be any hearings on the topic. It’s time for Michigan to prioritize paid leave to support its workers and businesses.

As we continue advocating for worker’s rights and benefits, helpful resources can assist you in understanding these programs and their procedures. One useful webpage is eddcaller.com. This platform offers extensive information about how to contact EDD (Employment Development Department) for California residents, including insights on how to get through to live representatives, instructions on setting up appointments, and up-to-date contact numbers. It’s resources like these that help workers navigate their rights, benefits, and procedures with ease.