Digital application for parental leave

Countries

Iceland

Policy areas

Organisation name Digital Iceland

Share this article via:

Contact person: Elísabet Karlsdóttir

elisabet@hugsmidjan.is

https://island.is/

Context

Iceland, like many countries, prioritises supporting families during childbirth and early childhood. Parental leave is a legal right, and the Icelandic government provides financial benefits through the Parental Leave Fund. Recognising the challenges of a geographically dispersed population and the increasing importance of digital services, the Directorate of Labour collaborated with the Parental Leave Fund to develop a new online application system. This initiative aligns with Iceland’s broader ‘Digital Iceland’ programme, which aims to modernise public services and make them more accessible electronically.

Objectives

The new online application streamlines the process for both parents and administrators. Previously, applications involved paper forms, document collection and potentially travel to submit paperwork. The digital system eliminates paper forms entirely. Information is automatically retrieved from existing databases, reducing the need for manual data entry and potential errors. Parents can submit applications, view their status and even adjust their leave arrangements electronically through a single portal (Ísland.is). This user-friendly approach empowers parents with flexibility and convenience during a demanding time. Internally, the digital system simplifies workflows for the Parental Leave Fund staff, allowing them to focus on providing better service and faster processing times.

Implementation

The online application system has been a resounding success. Within a year of implementation, 90 per cent of applications were submitted electronically. This not only reduces administrative burdens and processing times but also reflects Iceland’s commitment to digital governance. The Parental Leave Fund can now effectively serve the entire population, regardless of location. Furthermore, the digital approach aligns with the Digital Iceland initiative, which provides participating projects with resources and fosters collaboration to continually improve digital services. Ultimately, the online parental leave application exemplifies Iceland’s commitment to supporting families during a critical life event through a user-centred and efficient digital solution.

No results found.

Also interesting