Snacking giant Pladis has unveiled a policy to offer 18 weeks of fully paid leave to new parents among its global workforce.
The ‘Life Transitions’ initiative is to be rolled out over the next 12 months to all 16,000 employees across the 20 countries in which the manufacturer operates. Pladis owns a portfolio that includes bakery brands McVitie’s, Jacob’s, Carr’s, Go Ahead!, Flipz and BN among others.
The company said its new package was tailored to local market legislation, and provides a minimum of 36 weeks leave (with 18 weeks fully paid) for main carers as well as a paid phased return schedule. Secondary carers are to receive four weeks paid leave and a phased return schedule, it noted.
Pladis said it recognised there can also be complications or sadness, such as premature birth or loss of a child, with its pledge designed to support parents in all these circumstances.
“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our colleagues and their families during these life-changing moments,” commented Pladis chief human resources officer Geraldine Fraser, who took on the role last year as Fulya Fraser became the new chief growth officer.
“Striving to be an employer of choice for women and parents, we’re creating a happy and inclusive workplace for all our colleagues so they can bring their best every day,” added the HR head.
Dame Kelly Holmes – the former British Olympic, Commonwealth and European champion middle-distance runner – joined the Inclusion and Diversity Advisory Board at Pladis back in 2021.
“Supporting employees through key life stages is not only crucial for their wellbeing but also for fostering a more inclusive and resilient workplace,” she said. “I am thrilled to see Pladis taking such a significant step with the launch of this policy for new parents. I believe it reflects the business’s commitment to valuing their people and sets a powerful example to the industry.”
On a considerably smaller scale, The Biskery is another example of a bakery business with a commitment to family-friendly work practices. The all-female biscuit specialist based in Leeds offers flexible and part-time schedules for those juggling childcare arrangements.
Meanwhile, Pladis recently announced a realignment of regions from the start of next year, with current Western Europe and Emerging Markets managing director Tim Brett to expand his purview to span the entire continent.
No comments yet