WHILE the Australian Catholic University’s 12-month paid maternity leave offer has been branded as overly generous, some organisations are turning to such approaches to attract and retain staff.
The Australian Catholic University has offered its female staff 12-month paid maternity leave, although the majority of that is on 60 per cent of full pay.
The Federal Government gives its employees 12 weeks paid maternity leave. Business adviser Andersen gives its female staff 12 weeks paid maternity leave and offers flexible work arrangements, such as working from home, to bring their expertise back.
Perth builder J Corp has taken a similar approach of flexible work arrangements with its female workforce, particularly those in its accounting, data processing and drafting areas.
J Corp managing director Julian Walter said it not only kept good staff in the company, but also gave flexibility.
“Our core office staff can work through business hours and these staff are able to take on peak work after hours,” he said.
However, opinions within the recruiting industry are mixed on whether a paid maternity leave approach will be good for businesses.
TMP consulting services principal Zelko Lendich said one problem facing a lot of companies was the fact that women made up 50 per cent of the talent pool.
“A lot of companies need to look at ways they can retain all employees,” he said.
“I think we’ll see more and more things like the Australian Catholic University’s offer over the next 10 years.
“The employment environment is moving away from being candidate-driven towards people looking at where they want to work.”
Dunhill Management Services managing director Bruce Henderson believes employers are taking a more holistic approach to working with their employees.
“Some will be adopting retention strategies to keep experience within their organisations,” Mr Henderson said.
“The Australian Catholic University’s approach is a very clever strategy for that organisation, but whether it works in other sectors and industries remains to be seen.”
