The management of Access bank Plc has approved the implementation of paternity leave for male employees of the bank. Effective January 2018, males employee of Access Bank Plc can now take advantage of an enhanced parental leave policy that extends paid benefits to all mothers and fathers. The new policy offers paid leave to all new parents at the Bank including mothers and fathers, as well as adoptive and surrogate parents.
The policy, which is the second by any Nigerian bank after Stanbic IBTC started the policy offers one week fully paid paternity leave to male employees and allows them to care for their children and spend some quality time with them, while supporting the new mother who needs the break.
Also included in the new policy is a surrogacy or adoptive leave with full pay for 3 calendar months for female employees of the Bank.
These benefits supplement the 12 weeks of paid leave Access Bank currently provides to birth mothers.
The policy also complements the Bank’s existing health and flexible workplace benefits, which support work-life balance.
Head, Group Human Resources, Bolaji Agbede said paid parental leave allows parents to truly bond with their new child, balance their work schedule and help reduce conflict with parental obligations.
“Studies have shown that fathers who take paternity leave are more likely to take an active role in child care tasks and will continue to play this role long after the period of leave has ended. It is important for the new father to take time off as it helps all parents, regardless of family structure. This new policy is an evidence of the Bank’s support to employees during this wonderful but challenging time in their lives,” she added.
Furthermore, a pregnant employee, who has been in the bank’s employment for 12 consecutive months also has the option of 6 calendar months maternity leave with two-thirds of full month pay, while the surrogacy or adoptive leave period is 3 calendar months with full pay or 6 calendar months leave with two-thirds of full month pay.