National Partnership for Women & Families Recognizes The Pad Among Seven Companies Leading on Leave
San Luis Obispo, CA — June 11, 2025 — The Pad Climbing has been named one of the top seven companies in the country for its paid leave policies, according to the 2025 Leading on Leave report released yesterday by the National Partnership for Women & Families (NPWF).
This national recognition places The Pad alongside household names like Accenture, Levi Strauss & Co., and L’Oréal USA, highlighting a major milestone for the climbing industry: a gym operator being recognized on a national stage for how it treats its people.
“We built this company to serve communities,” said Kristin Horowitz, CEO and co-founder of The Pad Climbing. “That includes the people who work here. Paid leave isn’t a perk — it’s part of creating a culture where people are supported through all stages of life. We’re proud to show that even small, values-driven companies in niche industries can lead the way.”
The Leading on Leave report evaluates companies based on access, wage replacement, inclusivity, and communication of their paid leave benefits across all categories — including parental, caregiving, sick, and personal leave. The Pad Climbing was noted for offering flexible, transparent, and accessible leave policies that reflect the realities of working in a physically demanding and community-centered environment.
This recognition is especially notable in an industry where paid time off is often limited, inconsistent, or unavailable to part-time staff. The Pad’s approach challenges that norm.
“When our team members are supported, our whole community benefits,” added Horowitz. “We don’t do this because it’s trendy. We do it because it’s right — and it works.”
The Pad joins just six other companies across the country in this year’s cohort. You can read the full 2025 Leading on Leave report here.
About The Pad Climbing
The Pad Climbing is a community-first climbing gym company with locations in California, Nevada, and New York. Known for its radically inclusive philosophy, 24/7 access, and grassroots growth story, The Pad has spent over 20 years redefining what a climbing gym can be — and what a great place to work looks like.
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