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Virgin Founder Richard Branson Announces Full Year Of Paid Paternity Leave For Employees
Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson has long taken an unusual – but apparently effective – approach to running his company. He has continuously advanced the notion that his employees should have some freedom within the workplace, whether by allowing them to work remotely or determine their own hours.
Branson’s latest human resources decree affects new fathers employed by Virgin Management. Instead of implementing a policy on par with many of his competitors, Branson recently announced his company will offer a full year of paid paternity leave – even to adoptive fathers.
Qualified employees with at least four years of seniority will be eligible to receive their full salary while on leave.
For Branson, the new policy just makes sense as part of his overall corporate vision.
“I believe if you take care of your employees,” he said, “they will take care of your business.”
A father and grandfather, the billionaire executive said he understands “how magical the first year of a child’s life is but also how much hard work it takes.”
Social media reaction to the new policy was largely positive, with some echoing author Jayne Morris’ opinion that it “could create much needed catalyst for change in leadership gender balance.”
Others stated their belief that such a policy should be universal, with one noting that, even if an employer offered paternity leave, “you don’t have to accept if you want to work.”
Some cynics panned the plan, however, suggesting men would misuse the time allotted to spend with their family.
One Twitter user predicted the extended leave will translate to “xtra [sic] business for the pubs,” claiming men “prefer pubs, sluts and beer to spending time with wife and baby.”
Do you think fathers should be involved in their children’s lives? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
This post originally appeared on Western Journalism – Equipping You With The Truth
Source: http://www.westernjournalism.com/virgin-founder-richard-branson-announces-full-year-of-paid-paternity-leave-for-employees/
