Clemenger Group makes important change to modernise parental leave policy

Clemenger Group has launched a new parental leave policy for staff embarking on their family journey and pursuing career aspirations with Australasia’s largest marketing communications company.

The company will lead the way in how industry can support parents in their professional endeavours, by offering employees a maximum leave entitlement of 20 weeks. Secondary carers will also benefit from a maximum leave entitlement of four weeks, to provide extra support for employees who have started a family.

The new policy has stemmed from Clemenger Group’s understanding that now more than ever, modern-day parents are requiring realistic parental leave policies which offer a healthier work and life balance.

This change will also help address the marketing and communications industry’s talent shortage, as companies continue to look at new ways to capture and retain the best talent.

Robert Morgan (above), executive chairman of Clemenger Group, said the new parental leave policy is just the start of what is to come in a new wave of companies extending support for working parents: “Having or adopting a child is a wonderful, life-changing moment. Balancing parenthood with work, can be challenging. This competitive offer from Clemenger Group shows we are listening and adapting to give our employees the best possible chance to succeed in the workplace, and at home.

“Equality is the cornerstone of our people strategy at Clemenger Group, and this change to our parental leave policy is just one step in improving our efforts to create and nurture meaningful professional pathways for all of our people.

“While it’s also great that we have seen a 12 per cent annual increase of female employees being promoted to managerial roles, there is always more than can be done. We are committed to maintaining this trajectory of women in leadership across the Group.”

The parental leave benefits will also be supplemented by broader support programs including parent groups and mentors, a Keeping in Touch program designed to keep employees feeling connected, childcare referrals and further support for parents at home.

Melanie Spence, senior account director at Clemenger BBDO Sydney is expecting her second child in late September and welcomed the Group’s new parental leave policy: “Going on maternity leave can be terrifying and I felt worried last time with my first child whether I’d be able to make it work given the financial pressures. This time is different. This new policy gives me much more reassurance.”

Jake Ford, managing partner at Traffik will be taking secondary carer’s leave in November and also supported the new parental leave policy: “As a first-time dad, it’s a special time and knowing I can take extra leave to support my partner is really valuable. It also means I’ll be able to take additional leave I wouldn’t have had otherwise to go on our first family holiday next year.”

Parental leave policy in summary:

Clemenger Group’s new parental leave policy stands at:

– If you have completed three years’ continuous service or more, you are entitled to 20 weeks of leave
– If you have completed two years’ continuous service but less than three years of service, you are entitled to 10 weeks of leave
– If you have completely one year’s continuous service but less than two years of service, you are entitled to eight weeks of leave.

Clemenger Group is also providing Partner’s Leave Entitlement, which stands as:
– If you have completed three years’ continuous service or more, you are entitled to four weeks of paid partner’s leave
– If you have completed two years of continuous service or more, you are entitled to two weeks of paid partner’s leave
– If you have completed one year’s continuous service or more, you are entitled to two weeks of paid partner’s leave.