Medibank recognised as Australia’s best workplace for dads

Using information from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, the panel analysed these leading companies, researching parental leave policies available to dads, the percentage of employees who used them – together with the availability of flexible working, and other benefits.

It’s an important piece of research, not only should we be doing more to support Dads to play a more active role in their children’s lives and become equal caregivers, in doing so we enable more women to pursue a career on their terms, unrestricted by outdated notions that women should and need to be the primary carer of children. FlexCareers research tells us men want more flexibility, and the opportunity to play a more active role in raising their children, but outdated policies and the old-fashioned gender lens that they perceive to be applied by employers and colleagues, prevent them from asking.

FlexCareers shared in March the exciting news that Medibank had rewritten the rules on parental leave recognising that every parent should have the same opportunity to play an active role in their child’s early life. All eligible prospective parents, regardless of whether they’re the primary or secondary carer, are able to take 14 weeks of paid leave (28-weeks at half pay) within the first 24 months of birth or adoption. This includes taking leave at the same time as their partner. This significant change sees Medibank leading the way nationally in encouraging equal and shared parenting responsibilities.

It’s also flexible – parents can choose to take their 14 weeks leave across two different periods. Under the previous policy, the primary carer would be eligible for 14 weeks paid leave in one block, and the secondary carer could take two weeks of paid leave.

Medibank Group Executive of People & Culture Kylie Bishop said the reality is all families and new babies are different.

“When Medibank expanded FamilyFLEX and removed the titles of primary and secondary carer, the response from soon-to-be-dads was very positive. Many men haven’t felt comfortable asking for parental leave at all, feeling it will jeopardise their career prospects. We wanted to change this corporate perception. It’s a win for families if care is shared amongst both parents,” Ms Bishop said.

Medibank Brand Manager James Timms and partner Lakshani are expecting their first child, a daughter, within weeks. He plans to take off three weeks when she’s born, and then another 11 weeks mid next year.

“To spend up to 14 precious weeks with my family, fully paid, is just another amazing benefit of working for Medibank. Being new parents, it will help us immensely during this exciting time. For the last five weeks of parental leave, I’ll be taking the lead while my wife goes back to work,” said Mr Timms.

Direct Advice for Dads applied strict criteria including a minimum of 12 week’s primary carer’s leave, 2 weeks secondary carer’s leave and flexible work practices. In addition, primary carers leave had to be available for at least 12 months after the birth or adoption of a child, allowing Dad’s to pick up the baton if their partner returned to work. What’s slightly disappointing is that of 500 companies researched, only 44 satisfied the base criteria, meaning that Australian workplaces have a long way to go.FlexCareers is incredibly proud to partner with Medibank, and many of the other organisations that made the list, click on the links to find out more and apply for roles through FlexCareers!

1. Medibank

2. Mirvac

3. Australian Securities Exchange

4. Commonwealth Bank

5. PwC

6. Australia National University

7. British American Tobacco

8. EY

9. SAP Australia

10. Curtin University

11. Deloitte Australia

12. Lendlease Group