Global management consultancy firm Kearney has announced an expanded family support package for its European workforce.
The firm, which employs 4,200 workers across 40 countries, will provide six months of full-time leave for all new parents, regardless of their gender or how they become parents. It will also offer a six-month ‘phase-back’ option, where staff can work part-time after returning from the leave with an enhanced salary.
Kearney has additionally extended its childcare support by providing monthly subsidies for all children up to school age, as well as offering financial aid for fertility and adoption services and improved support in the event of pregnancy loss.
According to the firm, it has made these changes to help working parents’ work-life balance following the global increase in hybrid working.
Mirja Telzerow, Europe HR director at Kearney, said: “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.”