Lloyds launches online support to working parents

Lloyds Banking Group has launched an e-learning programme for employees that take maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

The programme includes modules on preparing for maternity or adoption, maternity and adoption leave, and a post-maternity module for employees returning to work. There is also a module for male employees taking paternity leave.

The bank is launching the programme as part of a broader strategic initiative to support all employees and their managers through training, a strong focus on flexible working and a new code of responsibility that demonstrates a commitment to work-life balance.

The organisation has added a parents work stream to its Women’s Network which includes a forum for working parents to connect through, a mentoring scheme and regular events for parents. It will also trial the up-skilling of HR team members to become experts in advising employees through maternity, paternity and adoption transitions.

Fiona Canon, director of equality and diversity at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Becoming a working parent brings significant challenges and people need to feel supported before, during and after they have returned to work in order to manage those changes effectively.

“We have always been seen as a good employer for working parents and we continue to be committed to creating a flexible working environment that allows working parents to flourish.”

The e-learning programme has been developed in partnership with executive coaching organisation Talking Talent.