Microsoft is giving workers three months of paid parental leave because of school disruptions

Microsoft is giving its workers an additional 3 months of paid parental leave to deal with extended school closures due to this coronavirus outbreak.

Parents that work for Microsoft (MSFT) can choose precisely how and when to use the leave -- if it's a three-month stretch or a couple of days a week -- a company spokesperson told CNN Business.
Business Insider first reported the information.
The policy is meant to"give our workers better flexibility and time off as they confront lengthy school closures," the spokesperson added.
The coronavirus has forced schools around the world to shut, with UNESCO estimating that school closures around 188 nations are impacting more than 91 percent of the planet's student population -- around 1.6 billion children and young adults. Many US states have extended school closures, with a few governors already announcing schools will remain shut for the remainder of the academic year.
Coronavirus lockdown can provide online education a lasting boost in India
Microsoft's move is one of many steps tech businesses are taking to accommodate to lockdowns, as most of their employees transition to working remotely due to this worldwide pandemic. Facebook (FB) announced last month it would give $1,000 to every one of its 45,000 employees and will continue to pay its hourly rate and contract employees in full despite decreased workloads. Google (GOOGL) and Twitter (TWTR)also have said they will continue to cover builders.
However, other technology businesses, like Amazon (AMZN), have come under fire for their treatment of employees amid the epidemic, particularly those at their own warehouses and distribution centers.