StanChart rolls out 20-week, fully-paid maternity leave

Bank says the improved benefits are part of its focus in supporting the changing requirements of the workforce.

KUALA LUMPUR: Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia (StanChart) today announced a 20-week, fully-paid maternity leave and other enhanced employee benefits in line with the Labour Day celebration.

It said the improved benefits, a first in the banking industry, were part of its focus on adapting to and supporting the changing requirements of the workforce.

In a statement today, Stanchart said as part of the bank’s family-friendly culture, male employees would enjoy two calendar weeks of paternity leave while new adoptive parents would also be entitled to fully-paid adoption leave of two calendar weeks. The benefits are now extended to all employees of the bank, regardless of length of service.

The bank said it was also ramping up its flexible working practices.

Employees had the option to work part-time, choose flexible working hours, or work from home on selected days, subject to the nature of their roles and managers’ approval, it said.

Head of human resource, Florence Foo, said StanChart was commemorating Labour Day by placing importance on its people.

“We are always looking to strengthen our staff welfare, as well as to retain and groom talent.

“Internal studies carried out show that employee motivation has evolved, and that staff feel more motivated at work when they receive better support in the integration of their professional and personal lives.” -FMT