The multinational nearly doubles the government-mandated time off for expectant mothers in Hong Kong
Global law firm DLA Piper recently announced it has extended parental leave for its Hong Kong-based employees, along with a suite of other related benefits.
Expectant mothers can now enjoy up to 18 weeks of paid maternity leave, nearly double the 10 week minimum mandated by law. New fathers will now have access to up to 10 days with full pay, double DLA Piper’s previous offering and over triple the legal requirement.
In the hopes of ensuring an easy transition for these employees, DLA Piper will also be introducing a maternity coaching program that offers support and assistance before, during, and after parental leave. Adoptive parents can expect to enjoy all these same benefits.
Kevin Chan, office managing partner for Hong Kong, said that the new policy underscores DLA Piper’s commitment to taking care of its workforce. “We understand our people are our greatest asset,” he said on Tuesday. “We value their wellbeing as much as we value the support of our clients.”
According to the International Labour Organization, striking a work-life balance is an ever-increasing concern as “boundaries between work and home are blurring and demands on workers and enterprises have never been higher.” The availability of paid parental leave is integral to finding that balance, the organization reported.
DLA Piper is the latest company to join this rising trend towards providing better benefits for their expectant employees. Last month, oil giant Shell began offering up to 16 weeks of maternal leave to its Hong Kong-based female employees. Earlier in April, Standard Chartered Hong Kong rolled out 20-week maternity leave and two-week paternal and adoption leave packages, all fully paid.
Across industries, firms in Malaysia, India, and Singapore have etended their parental leaves beyond government-mandated standards as well.
“We know that balancing a career with a family is really important for many of our employees,” said Juan Picon, global co-chairman at DLA Piper. “Making improvements to our provisions for new parents is a vital tool to support our people through this period in their lives.”
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Double paternity leave for Singtel fathers
Expectant mothers can now enjoy up to 18 weeks of paid maternity leave, nearly double the 10 week minimum mandated by law. New fathers will now have access to up to 10 days with full pay, double DLA Piper’s previous offering and over triple the legal requirement.
In the hopes of ensuring an easy transition for these employees, DLA Piper will also be introducing a maternity coaching program that offers support and assistance before, during, and after parental leave. Adoptive parents can expect to enjoy all these same benefits.
Kevin Chan, office managing partner for Hong Kong, said that the new policy underscores DLA Piper’s commitment to taking care of its workforce. “We understand our people are our greatest asset,” he said on Tuesday. “We value their wellbeing as much as we value the support of our clients.”
According to the International Labour Organization, striking a work-life balance is an ever-increasing concern as “boundaries between work and home are blurring and demands on workers and enterprises have never been higher.” The availability of paid parental leave is integral to finding that balance, the organization reported.
DLA Piper is the latest company to join this rising trend towards providing better benefits for their expectant employees. Last month, oil giant Shell began offering up to 16 weeks of maternal leave to its Hong Kong-based female employees. Earlier in April, Standard Chartered Hong Kong rolled out 20-week maternity leave and two-week paternal and adoption leave packages, all fully paid.
Across industries, firms in Malaysia, India, and Singapore have etended their parental leaves beyond government-mandated standards as well.
“We know that balancing a career with a family is really important for many of our employees,” said Juan Picon, global co-chairman at DLA Piper. “Making improvements to our provisions for new parents is a vital tool to support our people through this period in their lives.”
Related stories:
Is pregnancy an HR career stopper?
Double paternity leave for Singtel fathers