Skip to main content

Men to get 4 months paid parental leave as Vodacom introduces gender-neutral leave

| Supplier news

Mobile communications company Vodacom Group announced on Tuesday (01 September 2020) that all its employees, regardless of their gender and sexual orientation, would be offered 16 weeks (four months) of fully paid parental leave.

The company said in a statement that this meant that any employee whose partner was having a baby, adopted a child or became a parent through surrogacy would have the flexibility to take up to 16 weeks paid leave at any time during the first 18 months.

 

“The move is derived from Vodacom’s new leave policy, which is designed to support families by giving every parent the opportunity to have more time with children new to their family.

“Under the new leave policy, employees will also be able to phase their return from parental leave by working the equivalent of a 30-hour week at full pay for a further two months,” the mobile communications company said.

Chief human resources officer for Vodacom Group Matimba Mbungela said as a company with strong local roots, diversity and inclusion were core to the company’s beliefs and purpose.

“We are proud to support all families by giving every parent the opportunity to have more time with their children, without worrying about the impact on their finances or careers.

“The new parental leave policy further underlines our strong commitment to diversity and gender equality and will make a significant difference to thousands of Vodacom employees, particularly in markets where there is little or no legal requirement to give equal support for both parents.”

In March 2015, Vodacom pioneered a maternity policy, offering women across all its markets and operations six months fully paid maternity leave and a 30-hour week at full pay for the first six months after their return to work.

Vodacom launched the ReConnect programme in 2017 to attract talented women who have left the workplace for several years – often to raise a family – who want to return to work but are struggling to make the professional connections needed or refresh the skills required.

BUSINESS REPORT

 

Pin It

Related Articles

South African households are getting some welcome financial relief after a government decision that will help keep the price of bread from increasing.
Pick n Pay welcomes Ministry of Agriculture’s revocation of Leaf Services contract
The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (the Association) welcomes the decisive enforcement actions by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and its law enforcement partners, targeting the illicit trade and adulteration of fuel products ac…
By: IOL Reporter The National Consumer Tribunal (Tribunal) has endorsed a significant settlement agreement between the National Consumer Commission (NCC) and House of Natural Butters (Pty) Ltd, trading as Eden All Butters.
 As Tete Dijana surged down Masabalala Yengwa Avenue to claim his third Comrades Marathon title on Sunday, some are crediting it to more than just his incredible stamina. With just 9km to go, Dijana gratefully accepted a bottle of Engen’s “supe…