QBE announces increase to gender-neutral Paid Parental Leave scheme

QBE Australia and New Zealand (QBE) has increased its gender-neutral, flexible paid parental leave offering – Share the Care – from 12 to 18-weeks as it continues its ambition to remain one of the region’s leading family-friendly workplaces.

In 2019, the launch of Share the Care saw QBE become the first general insurer in Australia, and the first organisation in New Zealand, to drop the primary and secondary carer labels and adopt an all-in, flexible paid parental leave scheme, with the aim of making caregiving, career breaks and flexible working “business as usual” for all parents.

The scheme has proven successful in changing the face and culture of caregiving for QBE employees, with men now representing 38 per cent of parents accessing QBE’s paid parental leave offering. In the 12-month period prior to launching Share the Care, only 10 per cent of QBE parents accessing parental leave were male.

Sue Houghton, CEO, QBE Australia Pacific said that the additional weeks now offered to employees will be a great support to those starting or adding to their families.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer an additional six-weeks paid parental leave to all our QBE parents, which can be accessed flexibly if required. We recognise families come in all shapes and sizes with varying needs at different life stages and we are committed to providing a range of options to help them balance both family and career responsibilities.

“Share the Care supports our people to take parental leave in a way that suits their individual family’s needs over a two-year period. More broadly, it tackles the social stereotypes and inequalities associated with “the caring load” and we remain extremely proud of the positive impact Share the Care continues to have.”

Emma Walsh, Founder of Family Friendly Workplaces and Parents at Work, added: “It’s great to see QBE expand its gender-neutral paid parental leave allowance from 12 to 18 weeks, which demonstrates a real commitment towards ensuring a more inclusive and family friendly work environment.

“Organisations that prioritise the work-life balance of employees and recognise the importance of family foster a positive and productive work culture that attracts and retains top talent. Increasing paid parental leave is an investment in the long-term success and growth of a business.”

Further to the additional six weeks, QBE has also removed the qualifying period, meaning new employees can access paid parental leave from their first day.

For more information:

Sarah Bond
External Communications Manager
QBE Insurance
Phone: +61 466 028 302
Email: sarah.bond@qbe.com