Microsoft announced this week that it will now require its U.S. suppliers to provide a minimum of 12 weeks of parental leave for their employees. The new policy builds off of a rule Microsoft implemented in 2015 requiring those same suppliers to provide employees with paid time off.
Microsoft will implement the paid parental leave policy over the next 12 months. Applying to parents who take time off for the birth or adoption of a child, the policy will require a minimum of 12 weeks of paid parental leave at up to $1,000 per week. The new rule will apply to all suppliers across the U.S. who have more than 50 employees.
From Microsoft:
Our new supplier parental leave requirement is informed by important work on paid parental leave done in states, including Washington. In 2017, Washington state passed family leave legislation, including paid parental leave. This new law will take effect in 2020. As we looked at this legislation, however, we realized that while it will benefit the employees of our suppliers in Washington state, it will leave thousands of valued contributors outside of Washington behind. So, we made a decision to apply Washington's parental leave requirement more broadly, and not to wait until 2020 to begin implementation.
Microsoft says that it will work with suppliers to "make these changes in a thoughtful way" to address any issues that may arise.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

RIP Anthem: Incredible potential that was never reached
BioWare has announced that Anthem Next, an overhaul that would have revamped many of Anthem's core gameplay systems, has been cancelled and that Anthem is effectively being left in the dust. Here's why I'm sad to see Anthem fade away.

These Surface Go 2 keyboards cost less than Microsoft's Type Cover
Microsoft's Surface Go Type Covers are solid and stylish keyboards for an equally solid and stylish 2-in-1. But they sure are pricey. Thankfully, many more affordable options are readily available.

Outriders demo lets you play the first couple hours of the game for free
People Can Fly has announced a huge demo for Outriders, its original IP. Not only that, but players can transfer the data over to the full game for free.

Go sim racing in style with any one of these great cockpits
Sim racing has experienced a boom in 2021 and that's led to some serious interest in getting a good cockpit. Whether you're new to the scene or more experienced and looking to up your game, one of these cockpits will give you comfort and support while you race all day and night.