Kearney has launched a Family Flex support package to help its parent employees in Europe.
The global management consultancy, which has a 5,300-strong workforce spread across more than 40 countries, is offering new mothers and fathers six months of paid leave and a six-month phased return, including the option to work part-time on an enhanced wage.
The company has also introduced financial help for fertility and adoption services, as well as childcare subsidies for pre-school children and support for pregnancy loss.
The extended provision will be rolled out to all staff, regardless of gender and the way in which they became parents.
Mirja Telzerow, HR director Europe at Kearney, said: “The global increase in hybrid working has made the work-life balance at once both easier and harder for working parents. Parents may be able to spend more time at home with their children, but that is not valuable time with young family members if parents are tied to their computers.
“Kearney is committed to being an inclusive, supportive employer where our valued team members receive the best benefits to help them thrive. We’re delighted with the work of our team internally to develop this initiative, so our fantastic team members in the Kearney family can better spend more time with their own families in 2023.”
Geir Olsen, Europe region chair at Kearney, added: “We’re consistently looking for ways to enhance our working culture at Kearney and lead with equity. Treating parents equally – regardless of gender or how they became parents – will help make this a reality and help support wider societal change by promoting a shared approach to childcare responsibilities early on. We’re proud to take this positive step towards better employee equity and help Kearney Originals to succeed both at home and at work.”