Essilor steps up support for working parents

Striking a healthy work-life balance has been all the more of a challenge since the start of the pandemic, particularly under lockdown – making parent-friendly measures a welcome move from employers.

As part of its recent diversity and inclusion agreement, lens manufacturer Essilor has committed to helping its employees fully perform their parental duties alongside their work responsibilities. The following measures, which are more generous than France’s legal minimum requirements, have been introduced:

• Paternity leave has been doubled (22 days instead of 11).

• Mothers returning from maternity leave can take off one paid day per week for the first two months.

• Special accommodations are available to parents pursuing adoption or undergoing fertility treatment.

• In the three years after an employee returns from parental leave, any required training must be organised in such a way that travel arrangements and time away from home are compatible with the employee’s family situation.

The company has also committed to supporting parents of school-age children, signing a partnership with Campus parentalité Nathan (1), that offers different levels of support for families and a selection of fun and educational resources.

¹ Designed by educational experts, the Campus is a digital platform that supports families.