The policy, introduced in July, grants 26 weeks of leave to the primary caregiver, who will also have the option to take an additional 26 weeks of extended leave without pay, or opt for flexible working for the same duration. Secondary caregivers will receive one month of leave which can be taken in separate periods within a year based on their requirements.
“We are moving away from the traditional definitions of maternity and paternity leave, and acknowledging that a child can enter a family through various means and circumstances. Our new policy caters to both primary and secondary caregivers,” stated Amit Sharma, Vice President and Head of People and Culture at Volvo Group India.
The programme also aims to challenge stereotypes and break biases with its gender-inclusive leave policy. The company has also introduced platforms to enable parents, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender, to connect and share experiences with other employees.
“The new policy reflects the changing dynamics of the modern family and provides fathers with more time to assume responsibilities. This initiative aligns with our commitment to creating a more family-friendly and inclusive workplace,” Sharma informed ET.
Volvo Group has teams across India in various key functions, including technology, sales, purchasing, manufacturing, and supply chain. It also has global competency centres that offer digital connected solutions, accounting services, and other services to global teams. The company has recently adopted a flexible work model that allows employees to work from home part-time based on their role. Volvo Group, currently employing approximately 3,500 individuals in India, hired around 1,000 employees last year and plans to continue growing at a similar rate this year.
The company is also dedicated to developing a pipeline for women leaders through its career re-entry programme for women who have taken a break and its Empower initiative, which aims to advance women employees in the corporate hierarchy.