[Global] AXA doubles paid co-parent leave

Insurance company AXA has doubled paid co-parent leave for its employees worldwide from 20 days to 40 days, The Standard reports.

In addition, the company stated that leave would also be provided to those impacted by domestic or sexual violence.

On January 2 AXA announced that its updated policy of enhanced co-parent leave had taken effect on January 1.

Employees receiving assisted reproductive services such as IVF treatment and embryo transfer will reportedly be entitled to five days of paid fertility leave. If their partners receive such services, they will be eligible for two days of paid leave.

A company statement added that in the event of a miscarriage or a need to take care of close family members affected by serious health conditions or disability, they may have an additional five days of paid leave.

The statement said, "Under the new arrangement, employees can reserve more time with their families during every important life stage in order to achieve a better work-life balance and fulfil a range of personal needs."

AXA will also reportedly offer five days of paid leave to employees impacted by domestic or sexual violence and provide extra support to them during their tough times.

The company expanded its "Healthy You" programme - launched in 2020 to provide medical or financial assistance to employees with health issues - pledging to create a supportive working environment for employees experiencing menstrual health conditions, menopause and andropause.

It said it would offer various resources to help employees overcome health problems.

Sally Wan Yuen-wai - Chief Executive Officer of Greater China AXA - reportedly said the changes would enable the company to better care for employees and create a more friendly working environment.

"It will also help in attracting and retaining talents," she said.

"We sincerely hope that these new enhancements can add to an industry drive to work together on improving employee welfare."

In 2023, several banks in Hong Kong took the lead in increasing maternity and parental leave. Standard Chartered Bank raised paternity leave and adoption leave from two weeks to 20 weeks in September 2023.

In December, HSBC reportedly announced that maternity leave would be increased to 20 weeks and paternity leave to 40 days for its staff from January 1, 2024.m

Additionally, it extended caregiving time for every employee from two hours to four hours per month, beginning this year.

In December 2023, HSBC's subsidiary Hang Seng Bank reportedly announced the same arrangements.

Working mothers and civil servants in Hong Kong are currently entitled to 14 weeks of statutory maternity leave, while fathers have only five days off with pay.

Source: The Standard

(Quotes via original reporting)

Insurance company AXA has doubled paid co-parent leave for its employees worldwide from 20 days to 40 days, The Standard reports.

In addition, the company stated that leave would also be provided to those impacted by domestic or sexual violence.

On January 2 AXA announced that its updated policy of enhanced co-parent leave had taken effect on January 1.

Employees receiving assisted reproductive services such as IVF treatment and embryo transfer will reportedly be entitled to five days of paid fertility leave. If their partners receive such services, they will be eligible for two days of paid leave.

A company statement added that in the event of a miscarriage or a need to take care of close family members affected by serious health conditions or disability, they may have an additional five days of paid leave.

The statement said, "Under the new arrangement, employees can reserve more time with their families during every important life stage in order to achieve a better work-life balance and fulfil a range of personal needs."

AXA will also reportedly offer five days of paid leave to employees impacted by domestic or sexual violence and provide extra support to them during their tough times.

The company expanded its "Healthy You" programme - launched in 2020 to provide medical or financial assistance to employees with health issues - pledging to create a supportive working environment for employees experiencing menstrual health conditions, menopause and andropause.

It said it would offer various resources to help employees overcome health problems.

Sally Wan Yuen-wai - Chief Executive Officer of Greater China AXA - reportedly said the changes would enable the company to better care for employees and create a more friendly working environment.

"It will also help in attracting and retaining talents," she said.

"We sincerely hope that these new enhancements can add to an industry drive to work together on improving employee welfare."

In 2023, several banks in Hong Kong took the lead in increasing maternity and parental leave. Standard Chartered Bank raised paternity leave and adoption leave from two weeks to 20 weeks in September 2023.

In December, HSBC reportedly announced that maternity leave would be increased to 20 weeks and paternity leave to 40 days for its staff from January 1, 2024.m

Additionally, it extended caregiving time for every employee from two hours to four hours per month, beginning this year.

In December 2023, HSBC's subsidiary Hang Seng Bank reportedly announced the same arrangements.

Working mothers and civil servants in Hong Kong are currently entitled to 14 weeks of statutory maternity leave, while fathers have only five days off with pay.

Source: The Standard

(Quotes via original reporting)