Procter & Gamble announces new inclusive parental leave policy

Mumbai: Procter & Gamble today announced the introduction of a new inclusive parental leave program ‘Share The Care’ at its virtual #WeSeeEqual summit to promote Gender Equality. The Share the Care leave entitles all new parents including biological parents, domestic partners, adoptive parents, parents in same-sex couples to 8 weeks fully paid parental leave. This builds on the company’s existing maternity leave policy of 26 weeks for birthing mothers and adoption leave of 26 weeks for primary caregivers.

PM Srinivas, Vice President and Head – Human Resources, Indian Sub-Continent, Procter & Gamble said, “We believe care for home and family has no gender. Our new ‘Share the Care’ parental leave policy drives positive change by providing equal opportunity to all parents to share caregiving for new family members. This inclusive program covers all new parents including biological parents, domestic partners, adoptive parents and parents in same-sex couples. This builds on to our aspiration to create an equal and inclusive organization.”

He further added, “Share the Care program is not just a policy change, but a step towards shifting cultural norms in India by making child caregiving unbiased. It also helps new parents spend more time with the child and enable effective bonding, especially in the early weeks. It also allows both parents to provide support to each other on this journey.”

P&G was one of the first companies in India to have longer maternity leave (6 months) much before the industry followed suit. Equality and Inclusion is a key part of P&G’s culture. The company is bringing these values to life in its policies and practices to make a meaningful impact on its employees.