The HR policy, which also applies to the West and Central Africa Microsoft offices, includes 100 percent of current salary while on leave.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 1 – Maternity leave for Microsoft staff in East Africa has been increased to 20 weeks, while new father will get six weeks paternity leave.
The HR policy, which also applies to the West and Central Africa Microsoft offices, includes 100 percent of current salary while on leave.
Microsoft says that the package is hoped 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 company is also introducing a new family-caregiver leave benefit where employees will be 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).
“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 Kenya is currently entitled to three months maternity with full pay, which is 90 calendar days.
“This should not be counted as part of your annual leave as it is a separate entity,” jobs recruiting experts Brighter Monday say.
Other companies that offer longer maternity periods in Kenya 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.
