Progressive perks: Zurich dumps ‘parental leave’ in favour of family flexibility

Progressive perks: Zurich dumps ‘parental leave’ in favour of family flexibility

Zurich’s Australian staff are being rewarded with industry-leading care entitlements designed to be as inclusive and flexible as possible.

The new package more appropriately reflects today’s varied family structures than outdated parental leave plans, the insurer says.

Acknowledging that every family is different, the Family Care Policy supports each employee regardless of gender, gender identity or sexual orientation, enabling everyone to take paid leave as they welcome new family members.

It allows primary parents 16 weeks of paid leave, with the ability to request up to two years, and is inclusive of birth, adoption, surrogacy and IVF, as well as miscarriage and stillbirth.

The new policy was developed with the Women’s Innovation Network and PrideZ and Sue Maher, Head of Human Resources, says it recognises all family circumstances and supports a fair and equal workplace.

“Our new Family Care Policy reflects the many different voices of our diverse workforce, ensuring inclusivity and better supporting the range of family circumstances we see across Australia today,” Ms Maher said.

Co-parents receive six weeks paid leave plus additional unpaid leave, while all tenure requirements, including probation, are removed.

Superannuation and personal and long service leave will continue to accrue during unpaid leave for primary parents, supporting Zurich’s commitment to reducing the retirement savings ‘super gap,’ which is most often experienced by women.