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FAMILY FRIENDLINESS
Best Practice by Bain & Company
WHY LEADING IN FAMILY FRIENDLINESS IS KEY TO GENDER EQUALITY
Janna Neophytou
Director Talent & Business Operations at Bain & Company Switzerland
Bain & Company knows the importance of making work fit around the lives of its Bainies. Through a well-marketed 3-pronged approach we ensure the culture of care-giving – a recognized lever to increasing gender equality – is changing. Our efforts are paying off: So far 67% of people who take advantage of the flex working options are men and 80% of new fathers extend their paternity leave. Read on to learn how creating an inclusive culture and role models are critical to succeed.
This best practice was first published in the Gender Intelligence Report 2021.
read the report
the livelihood of our bainies falls under the umbrella of our environmental, social and governance policy
In the ever faster changing global working environment, Bain Switzerland stands firmly behind its commitment to promote sustainable and fulfilled lives for all Bainies through its “We Care” initiative. We are committed to continuously improve the working conditions, professional and private development, and impact of all Bainies through our industry-leading holistic ESG approach “We Care”.
bain offers an industry-leading parental support program
Adapting to the changed reality in times of a pandemic, Bain Switzerland has increased both maternity and paternity leaves by eight weeks over the statutory leave requirements. During this time, Bainies receive their full salary, contingent on having been with the company for twelve months. Additionally, parents will receive a further two weeks of leave for twins or triplets. As Bain promotes equality in all spheres of life, these policies apply to all births and adoptions alike.
“Gender parity is a high priority for Bain, hence we believe in supporting women and men equally to thrive both professionally and personally.”
While the intent of maternity leave policies is to offer support, differences in maternity versus paternity leave policies often imply that the mother has a financial incentive to become the primary care giver. This not only influences the role the other parent plays over time, but also has an impact on future decisions a mother might take about her career – and in particular can create differences in career timings and progression between men and women, simply driven by gender.
We believe that creating optionality through offering a parental leave is an impactful action that employers can take to move us forward on gender equality.
“Bain has been very supportive in my transition back to work after five months of maternity leave. My wish to start at 60% and increase to 80% after three months was easily made possible. This was great to establish new routines at home and learn to combine family life with work life. Also working from home has eased the transition a lot”.
family friendliness @bain
“Family Friendliness” is a major focus of enhancing the work environment at Bain under the holistic “We Care” vision of supporting all Bainies to the utmost degree. Bain recognizes that becoming a parent is possibly the most formative time in an individual’s life.
To support all Bainies during this time, Bain has erected three main pillars to provide a strong support network during parenthood, emphasizing parity between both parents to transition between full-time work, part-time work, and parental leave.
flexible working even in client-facing roles
At Bain Switzerland, the transition between work life, parenthood, and returning to the office is underpinned by flexible working options. These allow Bainies to work part-time in client-facing and internal roles as well as taking a leave of absence to ensure a successful career at Bain while simultaneously living a fulfilled and healthy family life.
“I feel the most fulfilled when combining my roles as a mother of two small sons (aged one and three) and a consultant advising clients on their most critical questions. The balance is never easy, and I am trully grateful for the support I have received from Bain over the past few years – from being able to take extended maternity leaves to continuous support and coaching from my mentors and sponsors.”
fathers are doing it for their families for their kids and for themselves
Working part-time is a tremendously popular option among Bainies with young children, allowing them to achieve the right balance between parenthood and their work lives. Bain Switzerland offers a variety of different flex options whereof working part-time is only one example. Last year around 37% of our staff took advantage of using flex options – 67% from this were men. More than 80% of our young fathers extend their paternity leave by using additional flex options.
“I know how important the first weeks and months as a new parent are and am happy that future Bain parents can spend even more time with their children.”
a support network that grows with your children
All Bain parents also have access to a network of partners who can help in short-term emergency childcare and for long-term daycare placements as well as childcare consulting to develop solutions adapted to the family’s needs.
While these initiatives are very popular among Bainies on social media (#ParentalLeave), the impact they create on their lives and on society is even more powerful. This is why family friendliness will always be a priority for Bain Zurich.
For further information and to exchange on the topic, please contact Janna Neophytou, Director, Talent & Business Operations at Bain & Company Switzerland at janna.neophytou@bain.com.
#empowerthegrassroots #flex/hybridworking #parentalleave #retainingwomen
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