Johnson & Johnson to roll out new program for employees

JOHNSON & Johnson, as a company dedicated to health, science, and family-oriented practice, has taken a step to address the issue for working parents with their new Global Parental Leave Program (GPL).

The program is expected to be in full effect by the first quarter of 2018 at ONE J&J Philippines.

In the Philippines, mothers are given a maximum of 60 or 78 calendar days of maternity leave with pay for normal and Caesarian birth, respectively. Meanwhile, fathers are given only seven working days paternal leave with pay. This is not nearly enough time to form that bond between parent and child.

With this new program, mothers, fathers, and adoptive parents will be able to enjoy their leaves with 100% pay. This guarantees more time for parents to adjust to their new roles and bond with their children.

Maternity leaves will extend up to 14 weeks; six weeks for recovery, and eight weeks for bonding time with their newborn. Paternity leaves will extend up to eight weeks, from the originally mandated 7 days. Adoption leaves will also be introduced to employees for as long as eight weeks.

Human Resources & Corporate Contributions Director for Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. Sean Zantua shares that this new development confirms the Company’s commitment to its employees, articulated in the Company Credo as “we must be mindful of ways to help our employees fulfill their family responsibilities,” to support their development of happier and healthier family lives.

What sets this program apart is its inclusivity, according to Zantua. It goes beyond the descriptive meaning of ‘parents’ by opening it up to adoptive parents, as well, as biological parents. Also, it recognizes each parent’s role as equally-important in a newborn’s life.

“At Johnson & Johnson, we are proud to say that family comes first, and we encourage that among our employees,” Zantua said. PR