Employee Rights and Employment Policy Journal

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to assess employees’ attitudes regarding issues that may have an impact on the effectiveness of the Family and Medical Leave Act.   Data were collected in 1993 and 1998 and were compared across time. Results showed that women are perceived as better caregivers (by both men and women); men are more concerned about effects to their career than are women, and women believe that other types of circumstances should be covered by the law more so than do men.  In addition, respondents indicated that their economic situation would be a major factor in deciding to take unpaid leave, and most employees would consider options other than unpaid family leave if such options wre made available through their employers.  The longitudinal analysis indicated that over time more men are requesting family-related leave and women perceive a more negative impact to their career when taking leave.  Implications for the law and management policies are discussed.