NESTLÉ S.A. on Thursday announced a new global gender-neutral parental support policy, extending parental leave to a minimum of 18 paid weeks from 14 weeks.
Secondary caregivers are given four weeks, after having no previous global minimum.
“Every family is unique, so we have designed a parental support policy that is flexible enough to work for us all. Supporting the healthy development of infants has been a core value of our company since our founding,” Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider said in the statement.
“Our new parental support policy is an important part of our efforts to provide children with the best start in life, by allowing parents to spend more time with their new child.”
Nestlé said that the new policy does not set limits, allowing some places to offer additional weeks of paid leave. The company said that it will provide longer parental leave where local laws require it.
Philippine law requires private and government offices to give mothers 105 days of fully paid maternal leave.
The Expanded Maternity Leave Law also allows the mother to transfer up to seven days of her paid leave to the father, increasing paternity leave to up to 14 days.
Nestlé’s new parental support policy also reinforces employment protection, non-discrimination, health protection, and the availability of flexible working options and breastfeeding support.
Policy implementation begins in 2020. Nestlé expects its global rollout to be completed by the end of 2022. — Jenina P. Ibañez
