WPP AUNZ launches parental leave policy for NZ

WPP AUNZ has launched an industry-leading parental leave policy for both primary and secondary carers across its New Zealand business.

The new policy, which is effective from June 1, will see NZ-based employees paid up to 16 weeks full salary depending on length of tenure. After just one year of service, employees will be offered 12 weeks’ full pay. Secondary carers will be provided four weeks leave on full pay after two years of service, and two weeks after just one year. It will apply to employees of WPP AUNZ, and most of its NZ agencies.

Says Sven Baker, managing director, New Zealand, WPP AUNZ: “It’s important that we retain the best talent in our business by offering the best benefits. We know many talented, strong and experienced people opt to leave our industry because they may not see it as either family friendly, or a viable long-term option.

“We recognise this needs to change. Having a truly diverse workplace with people from a variety of backgrounds, and life stages makes our business better, and our employees happier. We know companies with supportive family policies have lower levels of sick leave and improved employee morale. And importantly for our business, they also have a positive impact on staff retention and engagement. So the balance of work, family, and other responsibilities has never been more important.”

Baker said the policy was developed after a careful examination of New Zealand standards teamed with results of research undertaken to understand what employees need and want. He said the result is a policy that reflects WPP AUNZ as a “long-term career option that is supportive through all different phases of life.

“We have implemented this policy as part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and believe it is among the best in the industry. As a leader in the New Zealand market, we are proud to take this initiative.”

The new NZ parental leave policy is part of a raft of sweeping changes WPP AUNZ has introduced in both the NZ and Australian markets during the past 18 months as it aims to be a market leader in employee engagement and talent attraction. These include: an Australian parental leave policy introduced earlier this year; a company-wide diversity and inclusion survey to benchmark expectations; the introduction of a bespoke training programme called The Academy; the rollout of MyTime (a flexible working arrangement); the use of alternative recruitment arrangements in Australia to ensure a diverse workplace; and Walk the Talk, a globally-proven WPP initiative to help women grow and thrive in their careers.

WPP AUNZ has also now implemented one of ANZ’s largest corporate wellbeing programmes available to all 5,500 employees across the company.

WPP AUNZ is Australasia’s leading creative transformation company.