Water, waste and energy management firm Veolia has rolled out an enhanced package of employee benefits for staff in the Near and Middle East region.
Known as Veolia Cares, the package is based on parental leave, health cover, death benefits, support for carers and volunteer’s day. It covers all employees, including those in countries where nothing is required by law and applies from day one of employment.
Under the parental leave policy, the maternity or primary caregiver is entitled to at least 10 weeks of leave at 100% of basic pay, while the paternity or secondary caregiver will receive one week at 100% of basic pay. Meanwhile, in countries where the state health insurance system does not provide sufficient cover, a health insurance plan can be implemented for all employees, including those who are part-time.
In the event of an employee’s passing, Veolia Cares will provide a payment equal to six months of the worker’s basic pay, whatever the cause of death, to the immediate family, in addition to any local statutory benefits.
The support for carers policy enables employees giving assistance to a close relative in a situation of dependence or serious illness to take leave if they urgently need to care for their seriously ill relatives, while the volunteer’s day policy offers staff one working day to contribute to a cause of their choice.
Pascal Grante, chief executive officer of Veolia Near and Middle East, said: “Veolia’s decision to roll out Veolia Cares, a common base level of employee benefits for all staff in the Near and Middle East, stems from our firm determination to support and protect all our valued employees at key life moments. The personal and professional wellbeing of our employees is also one of the keys to their ongoing engagement and the quality of service that Veolia is renowned for.”
Sebastien Dorne, HR director of Veolia Near and Middle East, added: “Veolia Cares not only sets a new benchmark for employee benefits in the industry, but also strongly supports diversity, which is among our core principles. We are confident that Veolia will become an even more progressive and productive place to work at, attracting and nurturing the best of the region’s human capital.”