Company Introduces Fully Paid Gender-Neutral Parental Leave (Even in SA)
Photo Cred: Henkel | Supplied

Henkel’s new policy grants all employees worldwide, including South Africa, eight weeks of fully paid gender-neutral parental leave, promoting equity and inclusive family support.

 

Global (11 June 2024) – Now, dads can spend precious time with their newborns without worrying about work income!

In a groundbreaking move that’s set to make a significant positive impact on families worldwide, Henkel has introduced a fully paid, gender-neutral parental leave policy. This means that dads, mums, and all caregivers can now take time off to bond with their newborns without any concern for work obligations or income loss. Imagine fathers getting the chance to share those irreplaceable first moments with their little ones, providing much-needed support to their partners during the crucial early stages of parenthood.

Henkel’s new policy, effective from the beginning of 2024, extends to its 48,000 employees across the globe, including 200 in South Africa. The initiative offers up to eight weeks of fully paid leave to parents, determined by their caregiver role rather than their gender or biological status. This bold step highlights Henkel’s unwavering commitment to promoting equity and supporting diverse family structures, including adoptive, foster, surrogacy, and LGBTQ+ parents.

“Henkel will become the first German DAX40 company to offer its employees worldwide eight weeks of fully paid parental leave,” said Carsten Knobel, CEO of Henkel. “This initiative sends a strong signal to all our employees and underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering a more inclusive culture and more gender equity.”

Henkel’s new global standard complements existing local practices and regulations, providing a crucial foundation for promoting family-friendliness and gender equity. By establishing a universal standard for all caregivers, Henkel ensures that every employee, regardless of family type, can take the time they need to care for and bond with their new child. This progressive approach is particularly significant in countries where parental leave opportunities are limited.

Charlene Kotze, Henkel South Africa’s Human Resources Manager, expressed her enthusiasm: “At Henkel, we foster a culture of belonging and strive for equity to release the full potential of our diversity. This Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) aspiration implies equal access to opportunities and offerings for all our colleagues. We back this commitment with tangible action by implementing the global guidance on fully paid gender-neutral parental leave as of 2024.”

In South Africa, where current laws provide four months of parental leave for mothers and ten days for fathers or other caregivers, Henkel’s policy marks a significant improvement. Fathers and other caregivers are now eligible for eight weeks of paid leave, showcasing Henkel’s commitment to supporting all family types.

Kotze highlighted the importance of this policy, noting that no global standard on parental leave had previously existed at Henkel. Different countries applied varying local legal practices and offerings, often excluding certain family types.

“We want to be prepared for the workforce of the future and our candidates’ rising expectations. Younger generations tend to have a stronger focus on equity and work-life flexibility, and already today in several countries in which we operate, 70-90% of men want to be more actively involved in caretaking. In addition, we see an opportunity to strengthen our position in peer competition. In the DAX40, no company has introduced a global gender-neutral parental leave standard yet, making us a true pioneer in diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Henkel’s initiative is more than just a policy change; it’s a step towards challenging traditional gender roles and empowering employees to participate equally in childcare.

This policy is a remarkable stride towards creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment, ensuring that every parent, regardless of their gender or family structure, has the opportunity to cherish those precious early moments with their newborn.

Now, dads can confidently take time off to be with their little ones, knowing their job and income are secure. This is indeed a giant leap forward for parental leave worldwide!


Sources: Henkel 
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