BLS Research & Consulting Polls for the Campaign for Paid Family Leave
BLS Research & Consulting is proud to be the pollster for Connecticut's Paid Family Leave Campaign.
Our survey of 243 small business owners in Connecticut showed that more than 3 in 4 SBOs SUPPORT the paid family leave legislation currently being considered in the Connecticut Assembly.
Highlights:
-95% of CT SBOs believe it is important for people to have time off to care for a new baby, a seriously ill family member, or recover from a personal illness, and 69% feel it is very important.
-More than 3 in 4 CT SBOs support paid family and medical leave legislation, and nearly half (46%) feel that way strongly. Support holds across the state and among different industries.
-79% of Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) members polled favor establishing PFML.
-Once SBOs learn more about paid family leave, including how research has demonstrated its benefits for businesses, support climbs to 82%.
When asked WHY they support paid leave, small business owners pointed out that such policies make good business sense, because they improve employee retention, job satisfaction, and productivity. They also believe having paid leave available is the right thing to do, because no one should have to choose between their family and a paycheck:
“I think it’s been extremely important to allow employees the opportunities to spend time with their family during these periods when it’s so urgent to be available. It’s great to come up with some ideas to not further burden already struggling small businesses and allowing needs to be met in this way. Great to see out of the box strategies.” –Medical/Healthcare Industry SBO, Middlesex County
“I support it because it’s important for employees to balance work and life. And as long as its employee funded I’m willing to sacrifice not having them at work during those 12 weeks.” –Professional Services Industry SBO, New Haven County
“We need to be considerate of human needs in this world. Work and money can wait.” –Real Estate Industry SBO, Hartford County
“Because I understand the need for paid medical leave for employees, but as a small business owner it puts a great burden on such a business. This sounds like a good solution that is mutually beneficial to all parties.” –Manufacturing Industry SBO, Litchfield County
“Sometimes, family members get sick and need care. Family is very important and businesses should respect that. A happy employee is a productive employee.” –Educational Industry SBO, Fairfield County
The data is clear: paid leave supports working families, improves worker retention and builds a competitive economy.
About the poll:
On behalf of the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund, BLS Research & Consulting conducted an online survey of 243 small business owners (2-250 employees) in Connecticut. About 82% of business owners surveyed employ less than 25 people.
The survey was fielded May 17th – May 23rd, 2017. The margin of error is +/- 6%.
Respondents were recruited via online panels and from commercial lists of small businesses in Connecticut. The sample includes a broad mix of small business owners from several industries—from manufacturing and construction to educational services and the medical/healthcare industry. Woman- and minority-owned small businesses are also represented.
Find out more about the campaign here.