Microsoft gives employees leave to help educate their families

Microsoft Logo at Ignite
Microsoft Logo at Ignite (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft is offering employees the option to take leave to focus on educating their children.
  • The program can last up to 12 weeks and can be taken intermittently or continuously.
  • The program seems to go beyond the recently updated Family and Medical Leave Act rules.

Microsoft is offering leave to employees so that people can focus on educating their families. Thurrott.com's Brad Sams reports that the new program is called "Paid Pandemic School and Childcare Closure Leave" (PSCCL), according to people familiar with Microsoft's plans. The current health crisis causes many families to balance working full-time and teaching children. The new program should make that easier.

The program can be used intermittently or continuously for a total of 12 weeks, according to Sams. For example, depending on a person's situation, they can choose to take a day or two off each week, or a person can opt to take the full 12 weeks off in a row.

Sams points out that PSCCL appears to be part of the updated Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) rules, but is more generous than the base requirement.

While some companies cannot afford to help people out to this extent, this new program is part of a continued effort to help people during the current health crisis.

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Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.