Global travel business Abercrombie and Kent Travel Group has introduced a paid global parental leave policy in order to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
The group, which has 2,500 employees in more than 55 offices around the globe, will provide a minimum of 18 weeks of paid parental leave for all new parents, regardless of gender. This will alloe staff to spend time with their newborns, and enable the organisation to take a proactive approach to breaking gender stereotypes and promoting equality in the workplace.
The employer has also introduced the policy in order to increase employee satisfaction and improve retention rates, as well as demonstrates the group’s commitment to equality and employee wellbeing.
Kim Berman, chief human resources officer of Abercrombie and Kent Travel Group, said: “We have been evaluating the benefits offered to our employees around the world and have introduced the first of what we hope will be many initiatives to improve our global offering and cement our position as the number one travel brand to work for.”
Cristina Levis, chief executive officer of Abercrombie and Kent Travel Group, added: “It was extremely important that employees from all offices receive fair treatment regardless of what local policies prescribe. We are incredibly proud to be at the forefront of the travel industry in offering this progressive parental leave package. By providing equal opportunities for parents to bond with their new children, we are not only investing in the wellbeing of our employees but also taking a significant step towards levelling the playing field for all of our employees.”
Abercrombie and Kent Travel Group also offers its employees a relocation package, life insurance, incentives for sales roles and performance-related bonuses, discounted travel, 25 days of annual leave in addition to bank holidays, a bikes-for-work scheme, an employee assistance programme and travel loans.