A new standard for parental leave

Jan 18, 2023 Letters

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my support for the recent move by Scotiabank to expand paternity leave from five days to four weeks, and maternity leave from 13 week to 16 weeks. This change will greatly benefit many families and I hope to see more companies following in Scotiabank’s footsteps. I also want to commend the Women and Gender Equality Commission, who have been advocating for legislation on paternity leave since 2015.

Having a balance between family and work is crucial, and the expanded policy allows new parents to support their families without having to sacrifice their careers. This highlights the importance of a global standard for parental leave. Such a standard would not only retain employees, but also reduce the cost and effort of recruiting and training new staff for companies.

Additionally, a global standard would promote work-life balance for parents, leading to happier and more productive employees. This is especially important for mothers, who often bear the majority of the responsibility for caring for children, and can experience burnout and stress as a result.

Gender equality is also a crucial factor to consider. Without a standard for parental leave, mothers tend to take the majority of the leave, which contributes to the gender pay gap and discrimination against women in the workplace. A global standard would ensure equal opportunity for both mothers and fathers to take leave, promoting gender equality in the workplace.

Furthermore, this would improve employee engagement. When employees feel their employer values and supports their role as a parent, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their job, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction for both the employee and the company.

Finally, it is important to consider legal requirements. Many countries have legal requirements for parental leave, and companies that do not comply may face penalties. A global standard would ensure compliance with these legal requirements.

In conclusion, a new standard for parental leave is essential for the well-being of families and communities, and for the success of companies. It would promote employee retention, work-life balance, gender equality, employee engagement, and legal compliance. It is crucial that steps are taken to establish such a standard, to ensure that all parents have the opportunity to provide the best possible care for their children. Adopting such a measure would be a positive step forward for Guyana, joining the list of countries that have already done so.

Ashra Lu Khan

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Ashra Lu Khan, Gender equality, global standard, parental leave, Scotiabank

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