In 2017, Indian government made new amendments in the Maternity Act which allows 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. 

British multinational alcoholic beverages company, Diageo has announced its new family leaves policy applicable to employees across its business. The new global policy offers women employees a minimum of 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave and a minimum standard of four weeks paternity leave on full rate of pay in all markets.

The aim of this new policy is to support employees to continue to thrive at work, and ensuring women and men are supported to have time with their new baby regardless of where they live and work.

The new policy will allow a significant number of Diageo’s businesses to move to 26 weeks fully paid paternity leave including North America, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Russia, Colombia, Venezuela, and Australia amongst others.

Aarif Aziz, Chief HR Officer at Diageo India said: “Our aim is to make Diageo a great place to work in India, one that is inclusive and progressive. We know that flexibility at work is proven to create happier, more loyal and more productive workforces. Today’s announcement is about matching ambition with action and supporting all of our colleagues to experience the joys of parenthood while continuing to thrive at work and achieve their true potential.”

Mairéad Nayager, Chief HR Officer at Diageo said: “We are committed to creating a fully inclusive and diverse workforce and we strongly believe that businesses play a significant role in shaping the future of society. Global businesses like Diageo must make bold moves on policies and the environments in which their employees work to ensure that the progress people deserve happens.”

The new policy will go live in most countries at the start of Diageo’s new financial year i.e. from the 1st July 2019, with further countries to implement the policy over the course of the year.