Diageo rolls out new 26-week paid maternity and paternity leave packages

Diageo is giving new fathers 26-weeks paid paternity leave across its international business.

(Photo: Diageo)

Under the new policy, female employees in all markets will be able to take a minimum of 26 weeks of fully paid leave when they become mothers, CEO Ivan Menezes told investors in New York today.

The company is also setting a “global minimum standard” of four weeks paternity leave on full rate of pay across its global business, with a “significant number” of Diageo’s businesses moving to 26 weeks fully paid paternity leave, the company has said.

Diageo’s employees in North America, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Russia, Colombia, Venezuela, and Australia will all be able to take 26 weeks of paid leave when they become parents.

Diageo’s policy will be rolled out on 1 July in “most countries”, but added that it will be fully adopted by the business gradually throughout 2019.

The new 26-week parental leave plan was first rolled out to Diageo’s workforce in the UK last month. Both men and women employed by Diageo in the UK are eligible for the same fully-paid 26 weeks parental leave, and up to 52 weeks unpaid, retaining benefits. The package is on offer regardless of gender, sexual orientation or whether they become parents biologically, via surrogacy or adopt.

“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,” chief HR officer Mairéad Nayager said.

“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.”