Viva Energy, an Australian energy company, has announced an enhancement to its parental leave policy. The company provides eligible employees with 26 weeks of paid parental leave for babies born after January 1st, 2023. The new policy, doubles the previous offering of 14 weeks. Which aimed at better supporting working parents and improving work-life balance for employees.
Viva Energy Chief Executive Officer, Scott Wyatt said, “Most women take between six and 12 months leave after childbirth, with a significant proportion of this time taken as unpaid leave. This has a material impact on the short term and life time earnings capacity of women, while undertaking one of the most important roles in our society,”
He adds, “This new policy positions Viva Energy as one of the small number of companies. I. is absolutely leading in this area. Further demonstrates our commitment to improving equality and outcomes for both men and women.”
The new policy is also expected to help close the gender pay gap. As women typically take more extended periods of primary carer’s leave than men, which can often be unpaid. The decision to announce the policy on International Women’s Day was significant in this regard.
Balance between paid work and unpaid care
Viva Energy’s commitment to improving the balance between paid work and unpaid care. The policy will allow parents to better manage their responsibilities, both at home and at work.It will benefit all eligible Viva Energy employees. Moreover,provide additional support for those with caring responsibilities.
The company’s enhanced parental leave policy is a step towards promoting a more family-friendly work environment. Additonally, improves the lives of its employees. Viva Energy commits to supporting its employees through various policies, programs, and initiatives that promote a healthy work-life balance.
In 2017, Viva Energy took a step to address the gender retirement savings gap by introducing full superannuation entitlement for paid and unpaid parental leave. The new policy builds on this initiative and reflects the company’s commitment to supporting its employees and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Viva Energy regularly reviews its approach to parental leave in line with leading practice. Moreover, the firm will continue to evolve its policy as the market develops. The company’s commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and belonging is reflected in its policies, programs, and initiatives. All these support its employees and their families.
