Grant Thornton has announced a suite of new measures to support employees with maternity leave as they begin their journey to growing their family.
The firm said it is strengthening maternity, paternity, and adoptive leave policies already in place, while introducing compassionate, fertility and surrogacy leave policies.
Grant Thornton has removed the service requirement for fully-paid maternity leave, meaning all full and part-time employees will have access to this benefit from the moment they commence employment.
This will also be reflected in the firm’s adoptive and paternity leave policies.
Employees undergoing fertility treatment will now have access to five days of fully paid leave, while individuals and partners who are faced with the loss of pregnancy are now eligible for up to 20 days fully paid leave.
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Grant Thornton chair Sinead Donovan commented: “We are living in an era where the family journey looks very different for everyone and employers must recognise this and ensure that compassion reigns supreme at every step on this journey.
“I am particularly delighted to see that all employees will have access to fully paid maternity leave from day one, and that compassionate leave is available for those dealing with the loss of pregnancy."
Donovan added: “We know from the recent Grant Thornton International Business Report that the number of women in senior management roles has fallen to 30% this year from 33% in 2021, and that one in five Irish businesses have just one woman in a senior management role.
“I hope more firms re-evaluate their family supports to create greater opportunities for women to grow in these roles while supporting family commitments.”
Michael Stone, HR director, stated: “We have listened to our 2,000 people across the firm, who tell us that family leave options are important to them, and hope that these new family friendly policies will also encourage candidates to apply for the varied opportunities available within the firm.”
Grant Thornton recently signed AsIAm’s pledge to provide an autism friendly workplace, reaffirming support of those who are autistic and neurodiverse.
