Major bank praised for parental policy

The financial giant was recognised as New Zealand’s most mum-friendly workplace but its progressive policies are open to dads too

Major bank praised for parental policy

A major bank has been praised for progressive HR policies this week after it won a nationwide award recognising parent-friendly workplaces.

ANZ was named the winner of the 2018 PORSE Mum-friendly Workplace Awards as a result of its inclusive initiatives, including flexible working policies, discounted childcare and support for parents returning to work.

The bank also recently announced an increase in paid parental leave for employees from 18 to 26 weeks from 1 July 2018 – two years ahead of the government’s legislated changes in 2020.

Primary caregivers are currently entitled to their full ANZ salary for up to 18 weeks after the birth or adoption of a child and this is increasing to 26 weeks from 1 July.

Employees can also take two weeks of paid family leave, usually taken before parental leave starts, increasing the entitlement to 28 weeks.

“It is our social responsibility to not only support our staff and their families by alleviating financial stress, but also to lead the way in driving change with other employers,” said Gina McJorrow, senior manager of HR at ANZ.

McJorrow also pointed out that all of the bank’s parental policies were not specific to mums but were open to all parents, regardless of gender.

Through the survey, PORSE was able to determine the top 10 mum-friendly workplaces – voted by Kiwi mums. They include the New Zealand Defence Force, Ministry of Primary Industries, BNZ, Fonterra, Resene, Statistics NZ, Ministry of Health, ACC and Inland Revenue