Gender diversity is an elusive issue in the IT sector - can this simple HR policy offer a solution?
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CA Technologies yesterday (4 July) announced a new parent leave policy to promote greater work-life balance for parents, as well as gender diversity across the organization.
The company will offer all employees globally – male and female – a minimum of 12 weeks paid leave during the first 12 months following the birth or adoption of their child.
This new benefit supports all employees by providing new parents with financial support and greater choice and flexibility in determining how they want to care for their child during the first 12 months.
The new parent leave policy has already been launched in the firm’s US offices and will now be rolled out worldwide. All employees will have access to a minimum of 12 weeks paid leave during the first 12 months following the birth or adoption of their child.
Employees will be eligible for the new parent leave if they have 12 months of service at the date the child is born, or for adoptive parents where a child is matched or newly placed with them. Employees can opt for a shorter period of leave if they choose, and salaries and benefits will continue to be paid in the normal way.
CA Technologies recognizes that the dynamics of family life are constantly changing and family-friendly benefits provided need to adapt accordingly.
“As part of our continued commitment to employee health and well-being, CA Technologies is pleased to announce the launch of this exciting new parent policy which will enhance our existing portfolio of family-friendly benefits,” said Melinda Walsh, vice president, People Business Partner, Asia Pacific and Japan at CA Technologies.
“This new parent leave policy will assist to address the challenges faced by working families, providing support and enhancing the overall employee experience. We have a talented team within CA and we know that providing the right level of support during key milestones in their lives will help attract and retain the diverse, experienced workforce we have in Asia Pacific.”
Commitment to inclusivity
This new policy reflects CA Technologies’ commitment towards promoting work-life balance and an inclusive workforce. It is also part of a wider, multi award-winning talent management strategy to ensure the company’s employees have the skills needed for the future of work.
These steps include leadership learning and development, unconscious bias training opportunities, targets for improving gender diversity outcomes, flexible working and other programs to support family responsibilities.
One of the initiatives that CA Technologies has implemented in Asia Pacific requires the talent acquisition team to present at least two women in the shortlisted candidates for at least 75% of all job roles, as well as ensuring a diverse interview selection panel.
These guidelines will help the company hire more multicultural women and increase the representation of women in technical roles.
“Despite the exponential change technology is making to society, diversity challenges remain across the technology industry which threatens the opportunity for continued innovation,” Walsh said.
“This new parent leave policy is another example of how CA Technologies allows employees to balance their work and personal lives allowing for a diverse culture where ideas are openly shared and respected.”
The policy strengthens CA's already family-friendly benefit offerings.
Some of the global benefits that all employees can access include:
- Reimbursement for shipment of milk for travelling mothers
- Gift bundles for new babies and pets
- Five days leave for bereavement of immediate family member
- Pet-care benefits – time to care for a pet upon adoption or to grieve when you lose a pet
