AXA doubles paid co-parent leave to 40 days

Insurance company AXA has doubled paid co-parent leave for employees from 20 days to 40 days, saying leave would also be provided to those impacted by domestic or sexual violence.

The company said yesterday its updated policy of enhanced co-parent leave took effect on Monday.

In addition, employees receiving assisted reproductive services such as invitro fertilization treatment and embryo transfer would also get five days of paid fertility leave. If their partners receive such services, they can also have two days of paid leave.

A company statement added that in the event of miscarriage or a need to take care of close family members who are in serious health conditions or disability, they can have an additional five days of paid leave.

"Under the new arrangement, employees can reserve more time with their families during every important life stage in order to achieve a better work-life balance and fulfill a range of personal needs," the statement said.

Meanwhile, the company will offer five days of paid leave to employees who are impacted by domestic or sexual violence, and provide extra support to them during their tough times.

The company also expanded its "Healthy You" program launched in 2020 to provide medical or financial assistance to employees with health issues, promising a supportive working environment for employees experiencing menstrual health conditions, menopause and andropause.

It said it would offer various resources to employees to overcome health problems.

Chief Executive Officer of Greater China AXA Sally Wan Yuen-wai said the changes would enable the company to better care for employees and create a more friendly working environment.

"It will also help in attracting and retaining talents," Wan said.

"We sincerely hope that these new enhancements can add to an industry drive to work together on improving employee welfare," she added.

Last year, several banks in Hong Kong took the lead to increase maternity and parental leave.

Standard Chartered Bank raised paternity leave and adoption leave from two weeks to 20 weeks last September.

In December, HSBC announced maternity leave would be increased to 20 weeks and paternity leave to 40 days for its staff from January 1.

It also extended caregiving time for every employee from two hours to four hours per month starting this year.

HSBC's subsidiary Hang Seng Bank announced the same arrangements last December.

Currently, Hong Kong working mothers and civil servants are entitled to 14 weeks of statutory maternity leave, while fathers have only five days off with pay.