[troels]

Raising it from 12 to 18 clearly had a very positive effect. I'd wager that there is more to be had by raising it further. So this is a cold hard HR calculation - not something I suggest they do out of altruism. Although that would be OK too.

Just for perspective, where I live 52 weeks is mandated by law. Now, a private company doesn't have to offer full payment during that period (or any), but it's quite common to do. Personally, I have a hard time imagining passing my child on to day care at the age of 4 months. So that means at least one of the parents needs to stay out of work. For various reasons, that usually ends up being the mother.