The launch of PPL’s expanded family leave program couldn’t have come at a better time for the growing Altimare family.
Mike Altimare, business operations analyst for PPL Electric Utilities, had just learned he was going to be a first-time dad when PPL announced it was implementing a paid parental leave program for employees.
“PPL’s parental leave program was a huge benefit to our family,” said Altimare. “We don’t have grandparents available to fully devote to watching our son, so daycare was always in our plans. Now we can delay full-time daycare for a bit because I’ll be able to stay home to care for my son after my wife returns to work.”
Family bonding time is important, and PPL recognizes that by providing mothers and fathers up to six weeks of paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child.
The expanded family leave benefits also include financial assistance for adoption and more flexibility with sick time, allowing employees to tend to family members or aging parents if the need arises.
For Mike and Lindsay Altimare, the time they are spending with their newborn son is priceless.
“I’m excited for Mike to have this time bonding with the baby because it’s often not a privilege many dads have the opportunity to take,” said Lindsay Altimare. As she changes a diaper, she adds that she is also eager for Mike to catch up on diaper duty and learn that staying home caring for an infant is not an easy job.
As for Mike Altimare, he appreciates having the opportunity to bond with his son at this age.
“At this young age, every day you come home and they did something new or look a little bit different, so it’s nice to be there and not miss a thing,” Mike Altimare said. He’s also inspired by the company’s commitment to employees’ work-life balance. “It’s really motivating to work for a leading company that also cares about employees and their families,” he said.