Global architecture firm Hassell has enhanced its parental leave benefits in order to pave the way for a more balanced and inclusive workforce.
Effective now, the comprehensive parental leave policy offers 16 weeks of paid leave to all parents, irrespective of their role as primary or secondary carers. It also extends to parents who have adopted children, those in foster or surrogacy arrangements and those who have experienced the loss of a child through stillbirth. The firm will match or provide better legislated parental benefits in each of its operating countries.
According to the firm, its more inclusive approach to parental leave is part of its dedication to prioritising the wellbeing of families by creating an opportunity to better balance parental responsibilities with professional life.
Liz Westgarth, managing director at Hassell, said: “I’m extremely pleased to be announcing an enhanced parental leave policy as one of my first initiatives as managing director of Hassell. Our new policy is about fostering an environment where everyone feels they can thrive, importantly by supporting a balance in career and family. It marks yet another stride towards our gender equity commitments.
“This isn’t just about us; it’s about setting an inclusive and responsive design industry benchmark that mirrors our commitment to breaking down barriers and making impactful change. In the current year, our dedication to gender equity demonstrated itself through a clear shift in the representation of women in pivotal leadership positions across our business. My hope is that this new policy will help encourage more inclusive leadership and equity within the wider community.”
Hassell also offers employees a holistic employee assistance programme, flexible work arrangements and sustainable work hours, access to discounts on health and fitness, insurance, financial services, technology and more.
It is a member of Champions of Change (Architecture), WomenIn Design Group, National Association of Women in Construction, Property Council’s Equity + Inclusion Committee, gender equity advocacy organisation Parlour, and Architects with Pride.