GPT boosts parental leave policy

Real estate investment company GPT Group has announced a “refreshed” parental leave policy that includes paid leave of up to 22 weeks and a $10,000 allowance for parents returning to work.

In a statement, GPT Group highlighted how parenting could be a different journey for everyone and hopes this policy introduction will help to support families.

The key components of the new policy are:

• Paid leave of up to 22 weeks for all new parents, whether through adoption or surrogacy. Those who have lost a child post-20 weeks are also entitled.
• Flexibility to choose when parental leave is taken. It can be up to two years after.
• A $10,000 allowance for parents returning to work.
• One year of superannuation paid even if on unpaid leave.
• Getting rid of language such as primary and secondary carer. Adopting a “carer neutral” approach, meaning both parents are entitled to equal entitlements.
• Paid leave for family-starting appointments such as fertility treatment, fostering, pregnancy loss, or caregiver responsibilities.
• Coaching for new parents.

“We are proud to introduce a policy and practices that can flex to suit the diverse needs of our teams, and contribute to everyone being able to play an active role in their home life responsibilities, said GPT Group chief people officer Jill Rezsdovics.

“We truly care for our people and believe we have a responsibility to support our teams not only during work hours but also throughout the milestones and inevitable challenges that come with life.”

The introduction of this policy aims to help break down gendered stigma regarding parental leave.

Ms Rezsdovics said: “This includes supporting parenthood and caring in all its forms, which is why we have extended our offering to include leave for fertility, fostering, pregnancy loss and caring for loved ones, which may manifest in many different forms. We are proud our people will feel secure knowing that there are robust policies in place to ensure they are supported through parenthood and any hardships they may face.”

GPT is also offering 10 days of sick and carer’s leave to employees, recognising that many have responsibilities for loved ones who may be affected by disability, sickness, injury, or old age.

According to GPT, one in nine Australians are carers and can be of any age. Furthermore, seven out of 10 of these carers are female, highlighting the need for carer and parental policies such as this to assist those who may be overwhelmed.

The new GPT parental leave policy coincides with some of their other introductions, such as:

• Compassionate leave
• First Nations leave
• Cultural leave
• Emergency leave
• Community service leave
• Study leave
• Domestic and family violence leave
• Mental health days
• Gender affirmation leave