Adoption benefits in the workplace

Something that we did not know much about before beginning this adoption journey was that many companies through the US offer employees not just maternity leave for adoption, but also offer adoption benefits in the form of reimbursment of fees.  This is a growing trend because less than 1% of all employees will adopt each year, but it provides the company with another great benefit to keep up with the competition.

Companies such as Bank of America, Time Warner, the NBA, Hanes, Nike, Wendy's, and others offer their employees these benefits.  Just knowing that makes me appreciate those companies more (even Time Warner, whom I hate dealing with on a customer satisfaction basis!).

As of now, our companies do not offer such benefits. The reimbursement would be amazing (ah-mazing!) when considering all of the costs involved.  But the one I am more worried about is the maternity leave.  A huge part of the maternity leave is to have time to bond with your baby.  With adoption, this time is even more important.

So I have been working on a proposal to present to my human resources department, and ultimately on to finance and our president.  Who knew adoption would turn me into a policy maker? ;)  I was able to find great information thanks to the Dave Thomas Foundation's "Adoption Friendly Workplace" materials, which has made it a lot easier.  I'll keep you posted on what happens, what they approve (or do not approve).  Wish me/us luck!

PS- Have to recognize my awesome sister-in-law and nephew and niece for their help!  They have gone around our hometown on "Operation: Baby K" posting flyers and sharing information about our adoption plans.  So cute that our baby's cousins are such a part of this. We love you guys!