NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 6 – Microsoft East Africa has increased maternity leave for its staff to 20 weeks with fathers getting six weeks paternity leave.
The move is intended to ensure all parents get adequate time to bond with new additions to their family, regardless of whether the baby arrives through birth or adoption.
The new HR policy will also see employees entitled to 4 weeks of paid leave at 100 percent of current salary to care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition.
“We regard our staff as the lifeblood of our brand, and we place the highest priority on supporting them in all the many aspects of their lives, both inside and outside the workplace,” said Amr Kamel, General Manager for Microsoft West East and Central Africa (WECA).
The policy also applies to the West and Central Africa Microsoft offices.
“Microsoft takes great pride in its position as one of the leading employers in the Africa region, and we are delighted to inform our employees of the new benefits, which take effect with immediate effect.”
A female employee in East Africa is currently entitled to three months maternity with full pay, which is 90 calendar days.
Other companies that offer longer maternity periods in East Africa include Safaricom Limited which gives new mothers 4 months. Nestle gives employees a minimum of 14 weeks paid maternity leave and the right to extend their maternity leave up to six months.
