Volvo Group rolls out gender-neutral programme for new parents within workforce

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Volvo Group India has rolled out a gender-neutral programme for new parents. The policy, rolled out in July, gives 26 weeks of leave for the primary caregiver, who will also be entitled to another 26 weeks of extended leave on an unpaid basis, or flexible working for the same amount of time. Secondary caregivers will be given a month of leave which the employee can take in tranches across one year, depending on the need. “We are moving away from the traditional definitions of maternity and paternity leave, and are recognising that a child can come into a family by a variety of means and scenarios. Our new policy gives leave for primary and secondary caregivers,” said Amit Sharma, vice-president and head of people and culture, Volvo Group India. The programme also focuses on breaking the bias to challenge stereotypes with the help of a gender-inclusive leave policy. The company has also rolled out platforms for parents to share and connect with other employees irrespective of sexual orientation or gender. “The new policy reflects the changing dynamics of the modern family, and will also allow fathers more time for taking on responsibilities. The initiative is part of our commitment towards building a more family-friendly and inclusive workplace,” Sharma told ET.

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Volvo Group has teams spread across India in all its major functions — technology, sales, purchasing, manufacturing, supply chain, etc. It also has global competency centres which provide digital connected