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Employers more generous with parental leave
Employers
are three times more likely to offer generous and extended parental leave than
three years ago, according to new research by job site Indeed.
While employers are legally obliged to give new parents paid leave, the number
of job descriptions mentioning staff benefits over and above the statutory
minimum has continued to rise.
The number of vacancies advertising an enhanced parental leave package has
increased by 201 per cent on Indeed since 2018.
Sej Khetani, the job site’s senior business partner, said there are several
reasons why more and more companies have improved their support.
He said: “Balanced policies lead to happier families, which is better in
the long-term for both workers and companies.
“Progressive programmes give families the support they need to be there for the
crucial first months of a baby’s life and reassures them that their employers
value and support their lives outside the office.”
Mr Khetani said generous schemes send a clear message that employers care about
the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of the people and families that
power their company.
“From a business perspective it has also become a valuable differentiator when
attracting talent.
“It isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s good for business and paid leave
programmes increase worker retention and reduce turnover,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Mr Khetani said that the post-pandemic UK will likely see an
increasing number of employers offering more generous parental leave policies
to retain existing staff and to be seen as an attractive employer of choice.
“The pandemic has altered the ‘norm’ of working nine to five and we will
see more agility and flexibility of working hours.
“This increased level of flexibility, including more roles being eligible for
remote/part-time and the potential for a shorter working week, will be a huge
support to parents.”
Mr Khetani said these types of shifts can help support women progress up
through the career ladder.
“It can help them to take up more senior positions, which would then hopefully
show progression in gender pay gap reporting,” he added.
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Employers more generous with parental leave
Employers are three times more likely to offer generous and extended parental leave than three years ago, according to new research by job site Indeed.