SK offers an additional 1-year paid maternity leave
Participants of SK Group’s W-Network program, which is aimed at improving working conditions for female workers, laugh during a workshop at the firm’s training institute in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, May 27. The group launched the program in 2011. / Courtesy of SK Group
By Na Jeong-ju
SK Group said Tuesday it has decided to give a one-year paid child-care leave to all female employees who have just delivered a baby.
“After childbearing, our female employees can now extend the maternity leave by one year without exceptions,” an SK official said. “That’s part of our efforts to make this firm a better workplace for working mothers and help them continue to develop their careers without being disrupted by pregnancy and childbirth.”
The measure is in line with the government’s move to enhance the working environment for women. The country’s third-largest conglomerate has adopted a series of women-friendly policies _ it has increased the number of in-house nursery facilities and removed discriminatory practices against pregnant employees.
All pregnant SK workers now can enjoy maternity leave for one year and three months. Before delivery, the company pays up to 100 percent of their monthly salary for three months. They will receive a state subsidy, which is about 40 percent of their salary, for one year after giving birth, the firm said.
Female SK workers welcomed the move, saying the longer maternity leave will help relieve their stress from being working moms. However, some expressed concerns that returning to work after the leave will still be challenging.
“The system doesn’t mean they will be completely free from stress. A 15-month hiatus from work is a big challenge for all mothers,” a female worker said on condition of anonymity.
“Many female employees may cut the leave out of concern that they won’t be able to keep up with their colleagues. It’s also stressful to have colleagues share their work while they are on leave.”
In 2011, SK set up a communication program, named SK W-Network, to discuss measures to improve working conditions for female workers. Seven female executives are participating in the program to address complaints from women at workplaces.
In addition to giving longer maternity leave, the group has decided to set up more nursery facilities at its affiliates to meet their demands.
“Nurturing female talent is one of our top priorities. It’s a matter of survival because we need more competent female leaders to adapt to the changing society,” said Cho Don-hyun, an official from SK’s human resources department. “We will develop more women-friendly policies so that they can continue to work here after marriage or childbirth.”