Düsseldorf (ots) – Global program for greater equality in childcare
Henkel is introducing eight weeks of fully paid parental leave for all employees worldwide
From 2024, Henkel will introduce gender-neutral parental leave for its approximately 50,000 employees worldwide. Since mothers in Germany already have eight weeks of maternity leave after birth, fathers and other partners in particular benefit from this leave. From 2024, you will receive your full salary for eight weeks in the first year after the birth of a child, with Henkel topping up the statutory parental allowance to your original salary. The new global guidance is based on the role of the caregiver and applies to all genders and any form of parenting, including adoptive or foster parents, same-sex couples or single parents. With this, Henkel is sending a clear signal for more equality in childcare.
“Henkel will be the first DAX40 company to offer its employees worldwide eight weeks of parental leave at full pay,” says Carsten Knobel, Chairman of the Henkel Executive Board. “In doing so, we are sending a strong signal to all our employees and underlining our strong commitment to promoting a more inclusive culture and greater gender equality.”
Sylvie Nicol, member of Henkel's Executive Board responsible for human resources and sustainability, adds: “Often, childcare is still primarily the responsibility of mothers. With this initiative, we want to support future parents and break down traditional gender roles , in order to allow everyone to participate in the care of children “This includes encouraging parents to dedicate themselves to the family in the first few weeks – without financial losses”.
With the introduction of the initiative, Henkel is taking on a pioneering role among DAX40 companies and also meeting the growing expectations of younger generations, for whom equal childcare is becoming an increasingly important factor in planning. family and professional.
New global guidelines
Henkel is introducing eight weeks of parental leave at full pay as a global guideline worldwide. It should be understood as a minimum standard for existing country-specific regulations. The program thus establishes an important basis for family coexistence and equal rights, especially in countries where there is currently no legal parental leave. Henkel also found that most regulations exclude certain family constellations, such as single parents, adoptive parents and surrogate parents. This led the company to develop a global guideline that applies to all caregivers – in around 80 countries where Henkel employs people.
With the new regulation, Henkel would like to support future parents, especially in the first intensive period after birth, when important connections are created – for a fairer distribution of childcare and a better balance between work and family demands.
About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading global market positions in industrial and consumer businesses. With its Adhesive Technologies division, Henkel is a global market leader in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. With consumer brands, the company is a global leader in many markets and categories, especially in detergents and cleaning products, as well as hair care. The company's three largest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In the 2022 financial year, Henkel achieved sales of more than 22 billion euros and an adjusted operating profit of around 2.3 billion euros. Henkel's preferred shares are listed on the DAX. Sustainable action has a long tradition at Henkel and the company follows a clear sustainability strategy with specific objectives. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of around 50,000 people worldwide – connected by a strong corporate culture, shared values and the corporate purpose: “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations”. More information at www.henkel.de
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