HPE rolls out 26 weeks' paid parental leave for ANZ employees

HPE employees across Australia and New Zealand are now able to take advantage of a range of new health and wellness programs, including 26 weeks of paid parental leave.

As part of the Work That Fits Your Life program, parental leave, parental transition support, retirement transition support, and Wellness Fridays are all available as career support options and benefits for HPE's ANZ workforce.

HPE cites research that shows parental bonding is essential for a child's health and wellbeing, which is why the company is rolling out the 26 weeks' parental leave for mothers and fathers. The 26 weeks applies within the first 12 months after the birth or adoption of a child.

Eligibility for the extended paid paternal leave benefit is being retroactively applied to parents with children born or adopted on or after May 1, 2019.

Previously, HPE provided no paid parental leave for employees in New Zealand. In Australia, the company previously provided 13 weeks of paid parental leave for new mothers, and only two weeks for new fathers. Now HPE supports 26 weeks for all mothers and fathers in Australia and New Zealand.

Further, HPE's Parental Transition Support incorporates a flexible work arrangement policy that offers new parents the opportunity to work part time for up to 36 months after the birth or adoption of a child.

"At HPE in Australia and New Zealand, we want all of our employees to be reaching their full potential in their careers. That means supporting them as they grow their families as well," says HPE South Pacific vice president and managing director Stephen Bovis.

"HPE is a leader in employee care globally. By focusing on wellness and flexibility we are able to provide a working environment where staff are able to develop and thrive even in times of transition at home," adds HPE South Pacific HR director Rob James.

HPE's Retirement Transition support program enables employees who are approaching retirement to work part time, so as to help adjust to the lifestyle changes of retirement while transferring their knowledge and/or serving as a mentor to other HPE employees.

Wellness Fridays encourage all employees to leave the office three hours early one Friday each month to volunteer, focus on physical or emotional health, or spend time on personal or career development.

"We are very proud to be rolling out this global initiative for our employees. By investing in our highly skilled and motivated workforce, we will cement HPE's position as an employer of choice globally and here in Australia and New Zealand," Bovis concludes.