EXCLUSIVE: Nomura develops parental transitions programme

Investment bank Nomura has developed a parental transitions programme that puts all its benefits for working parents in one place, and has brought in a range of perks targeted at new parents.

The new benefits include career-coaching sessions for expectant parents before leave, once they have returned to the workplace, and 12 to 18 months thereafter. Senior staff will have access to one-to-one coaching sessions.

Line managers will also have training when an employee is taking parental leave and immediately before they return to work, so they are prepared to discuss options such as keep-in-touch days and flexible working arrangements.

Charlotte Sweeney, head of diversity and inclusion, Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Nomura, said: “We have focused on things that will help us retain employees after they have gone on extended leave, but repackaged it so they can see the full programme.”

The programme also focuses on health and wellbeing. Working mothers will receive two months’ free membership at the onsite gym when they return to work. Free pre- and post-natal yoga classes will also be available.

The scheme was launched to all 4,500 UK staff in April with an email from Nomura’s chief executive. A soft launch was held in January to all staff approaching maternity or paternity leave.

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