An online career platform for women JobsForHer has conducted a survey. According to a new diversity survey of 300 companies around 14 percent of Indian companies, including large enterprises, SMEs, and start-ups, don’t have any paternity policy.
Survey findings on paternity policy
- 31 percent of SMEs and start-ups offer paternity leave.
- 57 percent of large enterprises provide paternity leave of two weeks and more.
There is no such provision for the private sector to provide paternity leave. The private firms formulate their leave policy according to an individual company.
Neha Bagaria, founder and CEO of JobsForHer said, “We all benefit when dads are supported. Paternity leave in India has been gaining prevalence over the last few years, but we still have a long way to go.”
“Today, fortunately, gender parity is being considered a top priority for organizations as they are introducing more family-friendly policies. Companies should offer and also encourage their employees to take parental leave, as male employees sometimes fear that such leave can hinder their career plans,” Neha further added.
Experts point out that paternity leave can create:
- More equal and diverse workplaces
- Boost productivity
- Attract talent
- Impact gender equality in the workforce.
According to the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules,1972, male government employees can take paternity leave 15 days before the birth or within six months of the birth of the baby.
Post-Covid companies have come up with Hybrid work a flexible approach that allows employees to split their time between working in the office and working from home. Now, companies should also focus on paternity policy that will help to have an positive impact on employees.
