Why Envato thinks the Aussie tech sector is “lagging behind” when it comes to parental leave policies

It’s time for Australia’s tech companies to stop “lagging behind” and start bringing their parental leave in line with other industries, according to Envato’s chief people officer Michelle Ridsdale.

And with more women entering the tech workforce than ever, businesses who don’t keep their policies in line with the times could even see their star workers jump ship to other companies or industries.

Envato, one of Australia’s largest and most profitable tech success stories, has recently revamped its parental leave policies in an effort to pave the way for other startup companies to do the same. The company believes it’s pioneering some of the most generous and inclusive parental leave policies available and is urging others to follow its lead.

“We’ve increased both our primary and partner care leave, and we’re continuing to pay full super for the primary carer even for the complete time they’re away,” Ridsdale tells StartupSmart.

“We’ve also put in place a coaching program for carers returning to the workplace, as we were seeing a lot of women not knowing how to navigate juggling childcare aspects along with returning to part-time work.” Read more

Dominic Powell - SmartCompany - 27 November 2018