CHICAGO (September 3, 2013) – McGladrey LLP, the nation’s leading provider of assurance, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market, ranked 87 on the 2013 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces List, released today by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
McGladrey offers its employees a parenting leave of absence of up to 15 paid days, which can be used at the employee’s discretion (either in a block of time or intermittently) during the 12 months following the adoption of a child, and up to $5,000 of financial reimbursement toward expenses related to the adoption.
"At McGladrey, we understand the importance of family to our employees," said Katie Lamkin, national HR leader for McGladrey. "Supporting our employees’ adoption efforts is just one of the many ways we try to show that understanding to our employees. We also offer employees a new parent coach program, an employee assistance program (EAP), a Coach-on-Call program (which gives employees access to a professional coach who can help employees reach personal and professional success), reimbursement of certain childcare expenses when working late or traveling, and a number of other benefits. Our employees are what make us successful, and we want to help them have successful careers and personal lives."
Each year, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption announces America’s Top 100 Adoption-Friendly employers, the top 10 by size, and the leaders in each industry, from its annual survey of U.S. employers. Rankings are determined by an analysis of a company’s adoption benefits, including the maximum amount of financial reimbursement and paid leave for families who adopt. The Top 100 are featured in the September issue of Employee Benefit News, a SourceMedia publication that is the leading source of information for benefits decision-makers.
"It is vital for adoptive parents to spend time with their children to bond and develop trust," said Rita Soronen, president and CEO of the Foundation. "Employers who offer adoption benefits understand that the initial needs of adoptive families are no different than those of biological families. And family-friendly work environments create strong and loyal workforces."
The list recognizes organizations of every size and industry that offer adoption benefits. Employers who applied for the list offer an average of $7,000 and four weeks of paid leave. Financial reimbursement varies from $500 to $25,300, and one to 18 weeks of paid leave. Unpaid leave for adoption, beyond what is required by the Family and Medical Leave Act, ranges from one week to three years.
There are more than 100,000 children in the U.S. foster care system waiting to be adopted. Every year, more than 26,000 children in foster care turn 18 and age out of the system without families. The seventh annual Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces list helps increase foster care adoption awareness, while celebrating businesses that support adoptive families.
About the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a national nonprofit public charity dedicated exclusively to finding permanent homes for more than 134,000 children waiting in North America’s foster care systems. Created by Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas who was adopted, the Foundation implements evidence-based, results-driven national service programs, foster care adoption awareness, campaigns and advocacy initiatives. To learn more, visit the Foundation website or call 1.800.ASK.DTFA.
About McGladrey
McGladrey LLP is the leading U.S. provider of assurance, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market, with more than 6,700 people in 75 cities nationwide. McGladrey is a licensed CPA firm and serves clients around the world through RSM International, a global network of independent assurance, tax and consulting firms. McGladrey uses its deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of clients to help them succeed. For more information join our Facebook fan page at McGladrey News, follow us on Twitter @McGladrey and/or connect with us on LinkedIn.
