Hassell’s international Managing Director, Liz Westgarth (pictured), has announced that the practice has rolled out a parental leave policy for the entire company, which underlines its unwavering commitment to gender parity.
In effect since July, the policy aims to further the work-life balance of Hassell team members, prioritising the wellbeing of workers and their families.
“I’m extremely pleased to be announcing an enhanced Parental Leave Policy as one of my first initiatives as Managing Director of Hassell,” says Westgarth, Hassell’s first-ever female Managing Director.
“Our new Parental Leave Policy is about fostering an environment where everyone feels they can thrive, importantly by supporting a balance in career and family.”
16 weeks of paid leave will be afforded to all parents, irrespective of their role as primary or secondary carers. This extends to those with adopted children, those who are foster parents and those who have surrogacy arrangements, as well as those who have experienced the loss of a child through stillbirth.
“Our renewed Parental Leave Policy marks yet another stride towards our gender equity commitments,” Westgarth says.
"This isn't just about us; it's about setting an inclusive and responsive design industry benchmark that mirrors our commitment to breaking down barriers and making impactful change.”
Wesgarth says that the parental leave policy is just one of a number of policies that the practice has enacted in an effort to support diversity and inclusion.
“In the current year, our dedication to gender equity demonstrated itself through a clear shift in the representation of women in pivotal leadership positions across our business,” she says.
“My hope is that this new policy will help encourage more inclusive leadership and equity within the wider community.”
Image: Hassell’s international Managing Director, Liz Westgarth / Supplied
