Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has enhanced its global family leave policy for 44,000 employees, which will take effect from 1 January 2021.
The global strategy offers employees, across 81 countries, a minimum of 20 weeks leave at full pay, regardless of gender, sex, or whether staff have become parents through birth, adoption, or surrogacy.
Previously, employees were entitled to family leave benefits based on the minimum legal requirements in their respective countries.
To ensure a smooth transition, there will be a phased approach for secondary caregivers in a limited number of locations. Employees in these locations will be initially offered a minimum of four weeks paid leave, which will be extended at a later date.
Christiane Bisanzio, vice president of diversity and inclusion at JTI, said: “Men can still be stigmatised for taking time out of their careers. We aim to shift such perceptions in the workplace for both men and women, including their managers. With our new family leave policy, we embrace all parents as well as their choices and lifestyles. This is yet another authentic and resounding commitment by JTI in our progressive diversity and inclusion philosophy.”