Microsoft is offering leave to employees so that people can focus on educating their families. Thurrott.com's Brad Sams reports that the new program is called "Paid Pandemic School and Childcare Closure Leave" (PSCCL), according to people familiar with Microsoft's plans. The current health crisis causes many families to balance working full-time and teaching children. The new program should make that easier.

The program can be used intermittently or continuously for a total of 12 weeks, according to Sams. For example, depending on a person's situation, they can choose to take a day or two off each week, or a person can opt to take the full 12 weeks off in a row.

Sams points out that PSCCL appears to be part of the updated Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) rules, but is more generous than the base requirement.

While some companies cannot afford to help people out to this extent, this new program is part of a continued effort to help people during the current health crisis.