Mercury offers new leave benefits to staff

22 March 2023 – Mercury has ramped up its leave policies to reflect a more diverse workforce, including bolstering parental leave offerings and introducing paid Gender Affirmation Leave.

The changes are part of the company’s goal to foster a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment by supporting employees through whatever life might have in store for them.

Mercury General Manager People & Performance Marlene Strawson says, “Everyone should have the same opportunity to participate and progress at work and these changes are about putting action behind these words.”

“There are many reasons why someone needs to take time from work and these changes help us make space for our uniqueness. By doing this we can help ease the financial burden and career uncertainty that some people face when they need to take time from work

“We know these stresses can often hinder diversity and this is a great step towards creating a more equitable work environment.”

As part of the changes, Mercury’s new parental leave offerings include topping up of IRD payments so employees will receive 100% of their base salary for the first 26 weeks of their leave, and increased flexibility to ease back to work from parental leave and receive full pay for the first four weeks back.

Mercury has also introduced up to 4 weeks of paid Gender Affirmation Leave for employees to take if they are going through gender transition and seeking to affirm their gender.

“This leave can be used when time is needed for social, legal and medical affirmation and at different times while an employee is on their journey,” says Marlene.

“We want to make sure our employees know that we’ll support them if they need to take time off as they go through a big life change.”

Mercury's Bereavement Leave allowances have also been updated to remove any prescriptive reference to relationships.

“Everyone’s situation is personal, and we don’t want to determine who and how someone grieves.

“This also applies to pets. Anyone with a furry family member will know how difficult saying goodbye can be.”

As an adaptive employer Mercury is committed to reviewing leave policies as needs change.

Details of Mercury’s new Parental Leave Policy include:

• Top-up of the IRD payments so that employees will receive 100% normal base salary for the first 26 weeks of paid parental leave.

• Four weeks of paid partner’s leave, per child.

• Paid special leave for attending appointments during pregnancy or for adoption arrangements (up to 10 days, per child).

• KiwiSaver contributions as part of the “Top-up” payment, plus a one-off employer contribution after returning to work.

• Annual leave paid at standard pay rate after returning to work.

• The freedom to ease back to work for the first four weeks, while being guaranteed 100% of normal, full pay.

• Five days of paid leave to support staff in undergoing any fertility procedure or treatment (e.g. IVF, egg/sperm freezing).

• Full ongoing support for employee’s career before, during and after pregnancy and leave, including a coaching and support programme.

Ends

For media queries, please contact: Mercury Communications Team 027 210 5337 mercurycommunications@mercury.co.nz

About Mercury Nz Limited

We generate electricity from 100% renewable sources: hydro, geothermal and wind. We are also a utility retailer of electricity, gas, broadband and mobile services through our retail brands (Mercury, Trustpower and GLOBUG), and are focussed on delivering wonderful solutions for New Zealanders at home, at work and on the move. We’re listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange and the Australian Stock Exchange with foreign exempt listed status. The New Zealand Government (the Crown) holds a legislated 51% shareholding in the Company. Visit us at: www.mercury.co.nz