Sanofi Extends Paternity Leave to 14 Weeks in Turkey

Sanofi Extends Paternity Leave to 14 Weeks in Turkey Sanofi will grant employees who become fathers 14 weeks of paid leave worldwide, including in Turkey. The new arrangement, which will also cover Sanofi employees who adopt children, will take effect as of 1 January 2022. Sanofi continues to implement next-generation human resources practices that lead the sector within its management approach to equality, inclusion and diversity. Starting 1 January 2022, all Sanofi employees whose spouses give birth or who become parents through adoption will be entitled to 14 weeks of fully paid parental leave. The company had previously increased the statutory three-day paternity leave available to fathers in Turkey to two weeks last year. Now, the paternity leave granted by the company will be updated to 14 weeks of paid leave in line with Sanofi's global policy. Under the maternity leave policy covering all employees, new fathers will be able to use their 14 weeks of paid leave either in one block or in divided portions with manager approval, provided the first portion is no less than eight weeks, within one year.

"We will continue to introduce innovations that support our gender balance targets"

Sanofi Turkey, Levant and Iran Human Resources Director Margaret Howson, noting that the company is implementing another initiative supporting workplace gender equality, stated: "At Sanofi, we firmly believe that it is extremely important for children to build a healthy bond with both their mothers and fathers. With this new practice, employees will have the opportunity to spend more time with their children. As Sanofi, it brings us satisfaction to make employees feel our support during the most important milestones in their lives. We believe this practice, which we expect to have positive effects on employee motivation and commitment, is an extremely valuable step in supporting gender equality. We will continue to introduce innovations that support our gender balance targets." she said.

What is Paternity Leave?

Paternity leave is a statutory right granted to fathers, similar to maternity leave granted to mothers after childbirth. Paternity leave is provided so that the father can support the mother and spend more time with the newborn baby.