Big tech companies in particular, such as Google, Apple and Facebook, have become known for taking different approaches to the work environment, with the relaxed culture, fun offices and perks such as free food and gyms of Google seeing it voted the best place to work in the UK last year.

Family-wise, what was described as a “perks arms race” between Silicon Valley companies last year had Facebook and Apple go so far as to controversially offer employees money toward egg-freezing procedures, in addition to Apple's 18 weeks of paid maternity leave and six weeks paid paternity leave, and Facebook's four months' of paid leave and $4,000 (approximately £2,600) bonus for new parents.

Meanwhile, Google gives new mums a $500 (£320) bonus in addition to paid leave, while other benefits include childcare consultations for parents, discounts for nanny agencies, and “mother’s rooms” complete with hospital-standard sterilisation equipment in all Google buildings.

Yahoo also gives parents $500 for baby-related expenses, and at some locations throwing employees “new child showers” – not just for those expecting, but even those thinking of starting a family so that Yahoo's various programmes can be explained, which include benefits such as $5,000 toward adoption.

Images: Rex Features

Netflix introduces unlimited paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents