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Netflix Staff Given Year's Paid Parental Leave

Netflix Staff Given Year's Paid Parental Leave

Netflix is to give new parents fully-paid leave for a year as US tech firms race to retain key staff.

The video-streaming service said the offer applied to its global workforce, from customer service workers to the highest-paid software developers.

The company, which already offers its employees unlimited holiday time so long as they meet their job requirements, announced the move in a blog post.

Chief talent officer Tawny Cranz said it allowed mums and dads to meet their commitments at home and in the workplace.

"We want employees to have the flexibility and confidence to balance the needs of their growing families without worrying about work or finances.

"Netflix's continued success hinges on us competing for and keeping the most talented individuals in their field.

"Experience shows people perform better at work when they're not worrying about home.

"This new policy, combined with our unlimited time off, allows employees to be supported during the changes in their lives and return to work more focused and dedicated."

The employee benefit is generous even by the high standards of Silicon Valley, where free meals and other perks supplement lavish salaries in the fiercely competitive battle for computer programmers and other technology workers.

Google offers biological mothers up to 22 months of paid leave, while Apple gives 18 months.

Facebook gives four months to both mothers and fathers.