Comprehensive package allows employees to better balance work and family
Global firm Allens has announced a comprehensive package of enhanced parental support measures aimed at helping its employees balance work and family.
The enhanced package was developed through a consultation process across the firm, and includes 18 weeks of paid parent leave; personalised support to manage the transition to parenthood; the expansion of parental leave by removing the distinction between primary and secondary carer; payment of superannuation on the unpaid component of parental leave, up to a maximum of 34 weeks; and a formal, temporary break from billable expectations upon return to work.
“Many of us grapple with the challenges of balancing career and family and we are always looking for ways that we as a firm can assist,” said Richard Spurio, managing partner at Allens. “We think these important changes, designed in conjunction with our people, will be another big step that can help manage those challenges.”
“As someone about to head on my second parental leave, it is great to have my role as a parent supported,” said Valeska Bloch, partner at Allens and a member of the firm's inclusion and diversity council. “In the past I think people have been worried that taking time out to care for a new child would be a career limiting move. I actually found it to be the opposite – parenting helped me build skills that I feel have made me a much better lawyer, leader and colleague.”