Work/Life Balance & Paid Leave
What We Do
We have embraced flexible work options such as hybrid and remote work, particularly for roles that do not require in-person services. Our Alternative Work Options policy also includes flexible scheduling and other arrangements designed to support work-life balance while maintaining excellent service to our community.
Family First Paid Leave Programs
At Durham County, we recognize that our employees are not just workers—they are parents, caregivers, and individuals who sometimes need time to care for themselves and their loved ones. That’s why we proudly offer Family First Paid Leave, in addition to Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protections for those who qualify. Our paid leave programs allow employees to:
✔️ Bond with a new child through birth, adoption, or foster care
✔️ Care for a seriously ill family member
✔️ Prioritize their own well-being or support a loved one affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking
By supporting our employees in their personal lives, we strengthen our entire community. Because when you’re at your best, we all thrive.
Leave Programs under the Family First Paid Leave Policy
Paid Parental Leave
Eligibility
Employees in probationary, regular, trainee, or provisional status can request PPL for the first three months after the birth of an employee's own child or the first three months after the placement of a child with the employee in connection with adoption, foster care, or in loco parentis.
Benefit
PPL will provide 100% of an employee’s salary for up to 12 weeks in a continuous block of time for a child under 5 years of age, and 6 weeks in a continuous block of time for a child 5 years of age and older.
Paid Family Leave
Eligibility
Regular employees in non-probationary status can request PFL to care for a family member who has a serious health condition.
Benefit
PFL will provide 100% of an employee’s salary for up to 6 weeks on a continuous basis per fiscal year.
Personal Leave
Eligibility
Regular employees in non-probationary status can request personal leave for self-care or when the employee or the employee’s family member is the victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Benefit
Two (2) personal leave days per fiscal year.