The Business Case for Interim Leave Coverage

Parental leave isn’t just about the person taking leave—it impacts the entire team.

70% of employees say they’ve had to take on additional work when a colleague goes on leave.

When organizations don’t adequately plan for coverage, the ripple effect is real. 

Think burn out and disengagement.

And we know where that leads → job hunting.

Over 50% of employees who feel overworked start looking to go elsewhere.

And the cost of turnover is staggering. Replacing an employee can cost up to 200% of their salary in lost productivity and hiring expenses. 

Compare that to the cost of an interim leader who keeps work moving without overburdening the team and the ROI is clear.

Here’s what happens when companies invest in interim talent:

✅ Retention and loyalty – Employees who feel supported during life transitions are 5x more likely to stay with their company. Without proper leave coverage, both the parent-to-be and their colleagues can feel frustrated and undervalued.

✅ Team morale and performance – Overloaded teams make more mistakes, experience higher stress, and see a 68% drop in productivity. An interim expert keeps momentum going without burning out your best people.

✅ Fresh perspective and innovation – Interim leaders don’t just fill a gap; they bring new insights and often leave lasting improvements.

Parental leave isn’t a disruption—it’s an opportunity to show your team you value them at every stage of life and career. The companies that get this right don’t just retain talent; they build workplaces where people thrive.

At Mother Cover, we help organizations rethink parental leave coverage. Not as a risk, but as a strategic advantage. If your team is navigating this challenge, let’s talk.