Construction engineering firm Bouygues UK has enhanced its paternity leave policy to allow its new working fathers to take up to eight weeks of paternity leave on full pay.
This is higher than the current statutory paternity leave and pay offered by the government, which is two weeks.
According to Bouygues UK, it decided to make this change as it strives for an inclusive workplace and an environment that helps staff to have the balance they need to integrate their personal and professional lives in a way that works for them. It wants all employees to feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work, whether that is on site or in the office, because it understands that people perform better when they can truly be themselves.
It is proud to be championing change for a more equal future and move away from the assumption that women will automatically be the primary caregiver.
Martin Schultz, HR director at Bouygues UK, said: “We believe our enhanced paternity leave policy will hugely benefit new fathers and contribute to building a more inclusive workplace culture where parents are supported to achieve a healthier work-life balance. We hope our offer will help improve the lives of our colleagues to foster stronger parent-child bonding and effectively balance their work with raising a family, regardless of gender.”
Other employee benefits on offer at Bouygues UK include 26 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days depending on length of service, a pension scheme, life insurance, private medical insurance, volunteering opportunities and the chance to opt into lifestyle benefits through BY Extra.
It also has employee-led diversity and inclusion communities such as WeLink for women, Encompass for LGBTQ+ staff, Kaleidoscope for Black, Asian and minority ethnic employees, a Disability and Wellness peer support network and a Parents and Carers network.
