Facebook is making headlines once again, but this time for something HR related.  The social media company has extended its global paid paternity leave to four months for new fathers.

The decision comes after Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg took two months leave after the birth of his daughter, Maxima.

Starting on January 1, 2016, all new dads and same-sex partners (including those who adopt) will be eligible for this paid leave.

Facebook’s vice president of Human Resources and Recruiting, Lori Goler, made the following statement:

"I am proud to announce today that we are extending our parental leave policy for full time employees to cover four months of paid baby leave for all new parents, no matter their gender or where they live."

The final decision to bring males into the mix was made because the company simply felt like it was, “the right thing to do”.  The new benefit really affects men and people in same-sex relationships out of the United States since the new rule won’t affect the maternity leave rule currently available.

Human resource experts explain that when working parents take time off to be with their newborns overall outcomes are better for the children and families.  The United States Department of Labor revealed that, currently, only 12% of private sector employees are entitled to paid family leave through their employment. 

Last April, the United Kingdom introduced a new rule on shared parental leave, allowing men to top up their right to two weeks of paternity leave with up to 50 weeks of leave shared with the mother.  HR experts say that this leave can be split between the couple and can be taken at any time before the child’s first birthday (or within the first year of adoption).  It is reported that fathers have been slow to start using their new entitlement.