Greencross introduces parental leave program

Magdoline Awad

Effective immediately, Greencross The Pet Company is offering a company-wide paid parental leave program.

“We are proud to be leading the way and introducing such an important program that will benefit a large proportion of our workforce,” Magdoline Awad, Chief Veterinary Officer at Greencross said. “We have more than 4,000 employees … this will have a positive impact on many of them.

“The health and wellbeing of our team members is at the centre of everything we do and by ensuring they have access to paid parental leave, we are bringing our profession in line with what is an expected benefit in many other industries,” Awad said.

“We work in a profession that produces a high number of female graduates. With paid parental leave and flexible working hours that allows them to maintain work-life balance, and a return to work program that gives them the confidence to return, Greencross is helping our team members to excel in their chosen field.”

The program will offer: six weeks pay at the commencement of parental leave at base rate of pay plus superannuation, and the option to take this at half pay for 12 weeks.

The benefits will be available to full- and part-time team members (of any gender) with more than 12 months service, who are the primary carer of a new child and eligible team members across all divisions of the Greencross business. (Greencross Vets, Petbarn and Speciality and Emergency Hospitals such as Animal Emergency Centre, Veterinary Referral Hospital and Animal Referral Hospital).

In addition to the program, Greencross also offers returning vets and nurses:

  • The ‘Back to work’ program – an eight-module online program designed for both veterinarians and nurses returning to clinical work, to give returning parents confidence and support as they re-enter the work force.
  • Flexible working arrangements – including working on WebVet – a 24/7 at-home video vet service allowing parents to use their veterinary skills, whilst supporting children and maintaining their home life.
  • Keeping in touch days – employees can still attend events like the Greencross symposium, the national conference, and can come into clinics for education days.

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