CIMB Group offers six months paid maternity leave for first-time mothers

CIMB Group Holdings is offering six months paid maternity leave for its first-time mothers in the banking group.

KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Group Holdings is offering six months paid maternity leave for its first-time mothers in the banking group.

It said this benefit, which took effect on Jan 1, 2019 for all employees in Malaysia, is another step forward for new parents.

This follows CIMB’s one-month paid paternity leave, which was announced last year, for first-time fathers. 

According to its statement, first time mothers can start this benefit as early as 30 days prior to their estimated delivery date. 

This benefit could be further complemented by CIMB’s Staff Rejuvenation Programme, which allows employees up to six months’ unpaid leave. Hence, first-time mothers could effectively take a whole year off to care for their first-born. 

CIMB Group’s chief people officer, Datuk Hamidah Naziadin said: “This enhanced maternity benefit, and our existing one-month paternity leave are part of our new holistic approach on managing human capital, by recognising that employees have different needs at different phases of their life, and by promoting a shared parenting culture for young families in our workforce. 

“We also believe that by allowing first-time parents a longer period to adjust to parenthood, they could create a more meaningful and positive experience with their first-borns whilst maintaining their career. We are also exploring the possibility of extending this benefit to all our employees group-wide.” 

Other initiatives in support of employees’ family needs include a work-from-home policy, allowing staff with children aged five and below or with special needs, to work from home for one day a week.