Leading vehicle manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra has extended its maternity leave policy to cover those women employees who opt for surrogacy and adoption, as per a report by The Economic Times (ET).
Ruzbeh Irani, president of group human resources at Mahindra & Mahindra, said that the company has created initiatives spanning a five-year journey, which includes one year pre-maternity, one year of pregnancy, and then three years post-pregnancy when the child is not yet ready to attend playschool.
Among the first such initiatives in the manufacturing industry, the new maternity benefits policy offers all new mothers six months of flexible work options and 24 months of hybrid work options. This is with approval from the line manager, following the end of the 26-week mandated maternity leave.
Asha Kharga, chief brand officer and chairperson of Mahindra & Mahindra's diversity council, stated that the company’s target is to attract more women to the industry and that the new maternity policy will support women through a total period of five years surrounding maternity. The company seeks to attract and retain female talent in a highly male-dominated sector.
In the policy, one-year pre-childbirth support is also included, which comprises In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment (75 per cent reimbursement of cost), reimbursement for daily commutes to work, and outstation travel benefits of premium economy or business class travel during the last trimester of pregnancy.
Irani said that it is crucial for each employee, irrespective of gender, to bring their best self to work, adding that there is a business case for diversity.
The company also provides the option of a sabbatical or unpaid leave for up to a period of one year for women employees who wish to take a sabbatical for child support. However, this is only applicable to persons who have completed 36 months of service in the organisation and does not permit moonlighting. It is also organising workshops to sensitise line managers who will be responsible for approving the extended flexibility benefits.
Further, for women employees who come back from maternity leave, the company is initiating a policy of career assurance. Irani stated that maternity will not be held against anyone; women employees will receive their due promotions and will return to the same role they left, or an equivalent role, upon returning to work.
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