Nextep Puts Family First with New Policy

Beth Dean 07.07.17
53 Beach Kite Vacation

Nextep is breaking the mold with a new policy that focuses on family.

Nextep, a certified PEO based in Norman, OK, has unveiled a new family-positive policy that increases paid leave over 200% and allows more flexibility in the workplace.

Taking a cue from best places to work, this policy goes even further, adding extended paid time off for life events.

Highlights of the policy include expanded paid time off, paid time to care for a seriously ill family member, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, flexible schedules and work environments, and paid bereavement for up to one month.

“We’ve always valued family and the commitments that go with it,” said Brian Fayak, Nextep President and CEO. “Now, we’re excited to have an official policy that puts that commitment to paper.”

While businesses must honor the legal requirements for job-protected time off, increasing numbers additionally offer policies which protect the employee financially, providing pay during those leaves of absence.

Flexible scheduling considers an employee’s personal needs, allowing leeway in finding solutions that work for both the company and the family. It also has the benefit of a work schedule that supports health and fitness goals, furthering an employee’s mental and physical wellness.

“We have a lot of primary caregivers working here,” Fayak said. ”Whether they’re caring for children or elderly parents, our people have a lot of responsibilities that go beyond their regular workday and sometimes cut into it.

“We want to respect that role they play for their families as well as the important work they do for our company and allow them the flexibility to fulfill both.”

With the addition of up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, new parents can fully enjoy their time off without the stress of financial difficulty.

Fayak sees this move as a positive step forward for the modern workforce. “We believe in hard work as well as the care of children, family, and self,” he said. “Personal and family well-being shouldn’t have to be sacrificed in order to accomplish great things at work.”

Family-positive policies, paid leave for parental care and bereavement, and flexible scheduling are popular in best places to work, showing the business’ commitment to putting people first while pursuing a rewarding career.

Fayak believes Nextep succeeds in a solution to which many workplaces are gravitating. “We are intentionally creating opportunities for our employees to schedule their workday with their personal needs in mind.

“What we do at Nextep is important, but so are our families, and you shouldn’t have to choose.”

Also on Nextep

Sept. 30, 2026. Norman, OK — Nextep, a leading professional employer organization (PEO), has been selected for the 2026 Fortune Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services™ List by Great Place to Work® and Fortune magazine. This is Nextep’s 7th consecutive year on this prestigious list. The Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services™ award […]
Read more
Mark your calendars! New compliance rules take effect this October, and protecting your business starts with knowing what is changing. The latest updates bring major changes to state and federal employment laws, changing everything from workplace policies to payroll. Key changes include the federal repeal of OFCCP affirmative action mandates and Alabama’s ban on sexual […]
Read more
NORMAN, Okla. (September 15, 2026) — The University of Oklahoma Athletics and Learfield’s Sooner Sports Properties announced today a new, multi-year partnership with OU and Nextep that will see the Oklahoma-based company’s branding featured on-court at Lloyd Noble Center.  Nextep’s logo will be prominently displayed on the playing surface at Lloyd Noble Center during all […]
Read more
When shopping for the right PEO for your business, you’ll naturally look for a few checkpoints, such as technology, employee benefit options, and customer service. But perhaps the biggest point you’ll need assurance on is their trustworthiness. That’s where ESAC accreditation comes in. The Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC) is one of the Professional Employer […]
Read more
July brings a fresh wave of state and federal compliance updates. Nextep has the complete rundown to keep your business on track. Get started using these quick links: Part 1: Federal Compliance Spotlight: New EEOC National Enforcement Plan On June 4, 2026, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted to replace its previous Strategic Enforcement […]
Read more
NORMAN, Okla. – March 26, 2026 – Nextep, a nationally recognized leader in the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) space, is thrilled to announce its latest strategic expansion into four new U.S. markets: Scottsdale, Arizona, Atlanta, Georgia, Chicago, Illinois, and Greenville, South Carolina. These moves represent a significant step in the company’s growth strategy as it continues to […]
Read more
NORMAN, Okla. – February 3, 2026 – Nextep, a leading HR services firm, announced today that they have won the Best of HR Services® Award for the second consecutive year for providing superior service to their clients. ClearlyRated’s Best of HR Services® Award winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality based entirely […]
Read more
If your employee needs health-related time off, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may require your company to provide it. This FMLA 101 guide will help you navigate the process. Now that we’ve covered the basics, this guide will explain the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to help you handle employees’ leave requests […]
Read more
For years, HR teams have asked: If an employee has a 30-minute appointment, but it takes them an hour to get there, is that drive time Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)-protected? The Department of Labor (DOL) just gave us a definitive answer in Opinion Letter FMLA2026-2. For employers, this is both a compliance requirement and […]
Read more
Check out some of the amazing things we did together in 2025 with our interactive year in review!
Read more
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduced a number of changes for employers. Luckily, Nextep is here to help! As our clients’ PEO and Employer of Record, Nextep automates much of the compliance, tax reporting, and administrative burden created by the OBBBA. While the laws change, our partnership ensures your business stays compliant. Here […]
Read more
Many new or revised state law updates will go into effect in the coming months. Our Compliance experts have summarized regulations in your state that may impact your business. Follow the quick links below to find your state: FEDERAL UPDATE Paid Family and Medical Leave Effective January 1, 2026, the tax credit for employers that […]
Read more

Download the Elevate by Nextep™ App


Download the Nextep Mobile App in Apple iOS or Google Play