HCF, Australia's largest not-for-profit health fund has welcomed the launch of the 2024 National Working Family Report, a collaboration between Parents At Work and UNICEF Australia.
HCF has been a certified member of Parents At Work (PAW) since 2021 and is accredited as a Family Inclusive Workplace, having met the world's best practice National Work and Family Standards developed through PAW's partnership with UNICEF Australia.
The report, released on the heels of a comprehensive survey involving over 6,000 working Australian parents and carers, illuminates the hurdles faced in balancing work, family and personal commitments against the backdrop of established gender norms.
In this landscape, HCF stands out for its support of employees, championing initiatives such as its revamped Paid Parental Leave (PPL) policy and flexible work options, particularly for working parents and employees with caregiving responsibilities.
"I'm delighted to see HCF's dedication to supporting working parents recognised in this initiative," said Claire Webber, Executive Assistant to HCF's Chief Officer People & Culture, who was profiled as a case study in the Family Friendly Workplaces 2024 case study booklet.
"My experience with HCF's parental leave policy has been incredibly positive," Claire said.
"Knowing that I have extra time to bond with my newborn daughter, Riley, and transition back to work at my own pace has been invaluable."
Claire's story is a positive example of how working for a certified Family Inclusive Workplace goes a long way to producing a thriving work environment and community.
Angela Wilcox, Chief Officer People & Culture at HCF, said she was proud of the health fund's commitment to supporting employees.
"As a not-for-profit health fund, HCF recognises the pivotal role employers play in the success of our society – from an economic, gender equality, and health and wellbeing point of view.
"The policies and practices we embed as well as the family friendly culture we nurture, have the power to improve work-life wellbeing and feed back into our employees' family and broader community," Ms Wilcox said.
Key highlights of HCF's initiatives include:
- A revamped Paid Parental Leave (PPL) policy, offering 18 weeks of superannuation for all employees, irrespective of gender.
- Introduction of a new Carer Support Policy with a range of support options for employees with caregiver responsibilities.
- Up to five days of paid leave for pregnancy loss and unpaid grandparent leave, recognising and supporting various family dynamics.
- Flexible work options, including compressed work weeks, varied start and finish times, and remote working arrangements, enhancing work-life balance for employees like Claire.
- Free heart health checks, total wellbeing assessments and mental health support including a free annual mental wellbeing check-in with a psychologist, evidence-based online treatment programs and children's mental health services.
- A new HCF Families Hub in partnership with Parents at Work, providing resources and information for employees on families, caring, flexibility and careers.
- Support, training and education for employees experiencing the impacts of domestic and family violence including leave options and free counselling sessions.
As the report's findings shed light on the pressing issues of gender inequality in the workplace, HCF remains committed to creating an environment where all employees can thrive both at work and at home.
