Male Staff of Access Bank to Start Enjoying Paternity Leave

It is good news for male employees of Access Bank Plc.

Starting January 2018, male employees of Access Bank Plc can now enjoy a parental leave policy that extends paid benefits not only to all mothers but also to fathers, the bank has said.

Fostering an inclusive workplace, the policy offers paid leave to all new parents at the bank and this will now include fathers, as well as adoptive and surrogate parents.

According to a statement made to the public by the bank, the new policy offers one week fully paid paternity leave to male employees and gives them the chance to care for their offspring and spend some quality time with the new addition to their family while supporting the new mother who needs the break, PUNCH reports.

READ ALSO: UNICEF Recommends 4-Week Paid Paternity Leave & Other Child Development Policies in Nigeria

Also included in the new policy is a surrogacy or adoptive leave with full pay for three months for the few staff of the bank.

The statement, signed by Head, Group Human Resources, Bolaji Agbede, say:

”These benefits supplement the 12 weeks of paid leave Access Bank currently provides to birth mothers.

The policy also complements the Bank’s existing health and flexible workplace benefits, which support work-life balance.”

READ ALSO: PHOTOS: Proud Nigerian Dad Bathes His Newborn Baby, Advocates for Paternity Leave 

Agbede was quoted to have said that paid parental leave allows parents to truly bond with their new child, balance their work schedule and help reduce conflict with parental obligations.

“Studies have shown that fathers who take paternity leave are more likely to take an active role in child care tasks and will continue to play this role long after the period of leave has ended.

READ ALSO: Lagos State Government Introduces Paternity Leave For Fathers

It is important for the new father to take time off, regardless of family structure. This new policy is an evidence of the bank’s support to employees during this wonderful but challenging time in their lives.

Furthermore, a pregnant employee who has been in the bank’s employment for 12 consecutive months also has the option of six calendar months’ maternity leave with two-thirds of full month pay, while the surrogacy or adoptive leave period is three calendar months with full pay or six calendar months leave with two-thirds of full month pay.”