Global legal firm Baker McKenzie has announced a significant revision to its maternity and paternity leave policies, aiming to offer extended leave to its employees.
Details of the New Leave Policy
This new policy, effective January 1, 2024, is designed to provide enhanced support to new parents and reflects the firm’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace.
Under the revised policy, mothers who have completed at least one year of continuous service with Baker McKenzie are eligible for up to 52 weeks (364 days) of maternity leave. Out of this, 26 weeks (182 days) are fully paid. Fathers, on the other hand, are entitled to an enhanced paternity leave of up to six weeks (42 days) with full pay. This policy also includes additional benefits related to parental leave, ensuring comprehensive support for both mothers and fathers.
This move by Baker McKenzie is part of a broader trend among UAE companies to offer more flexible work arrangements and extended parental leave to attract and retain top talent. For instance, earlier this year, the retail and design firm Alpha Nero introduced a new policy offering 70 days of paid maternity leave for its employees.
Similarly, Dubai-based Galadari grants three months of maternity leave after one year of employment. Upon returning to work, female employees at Galadari have the option to work remotely for 28 calendar days, either consecutively or intermittently within six months. If remote work is not feasible, they can work half their daily hours for the first 24 working days after resuming.
Existing Maternity Leave Regulations in the UAE
In the UAE, the mandatory maternity leave is 45 calendar days, with employees of the federal government receiving 60 days off. Additionally, new mothers are entitled to two 30-minute breaks for breastfeeding until the child reaches two years of age. These regulations set the baseline for maternity leave in the UAE, with companies like Baker McKenzie and others going above and beyond these requirements to support their employees.
Borys Dackiw, managing partner of Baker McKenzie in the UAE, highlighted that the extended parental leave policy reflects the firm's commitment to employee well-being and gender diversity. He mentioned, "Increasing maternity and paternity leave allows us to offer crucial support to our employees during this important life event." Keri Watkins, co-chair of the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Committee at Baker McKenzie, noted that this forward-thinking policy aligns with the firm's dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace. Watkins remarked, "By offering extensive support to new parents, we aim to create an environment where everyone can flourish both professionally and personally."
Baker McKenzie's revised maternity and paternity leave policy marks a significant step towards enhancing employee welfare and promoting gender diversity in the workplace. By offering extended and fully paid leave, along with additional parental benefits, the firm is setting a high standard for other companies in the region. This policy not only supports employees during a critical life event but also reinforces the firm's commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment.
