Queensland-based womenswear retailer Dissh has launched a new paid parental leave program for staff.
Dissh confirmed 92.2% of staff identified as women and the average employee age is 25.6.
Dissh co-founder and CEO Lucy Henry-Hicks said she recognised the barriers facing working parents after having her first child. In Australia, only 60% of companies provide primary carer’s leave in addition to the government paid parental leave scheme.
“It has always been a dream of mine to build a business to a size where financially we could afford a best in class PPLP," Henry-Hicks said. "I have seen too many close friends and family give up thriving careers due to the challenges of balancing family and work.
"There is no doubt that these challenges are complex, wide and varied, but with the right support from employers, infinitely more possible to overcome. I’m walking that walk now, six months after giving birth to our little Remi.
"I’m using my own firsthand experience to create a support framework that I know I would have greatly benefitted from.”
The program includes 16 weeks full pay for primary caregivers and four weeks full pay for secondary caregivers.
It also includes superannuation paid for up to 52 weeks, up to eight days additional leave for doctor appointments, IVF or fertility appointments, pregnancy-related illness, sick days and early pick-ups for children.
Once employees return to work, they are offered financial support and flexible return options for the first eight weeks. In addition to this, a bespoke transition coaching program will be offered to expecting parents in partnership with Courageous Leadership Hub.