SCBNL announces ‘Enhanced Parental Leave Benefits’ for its employees

KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 7: Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited (SCBNL) has announced ‘Enhanced Parental Leave Benefits’ for its employees as part of its commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive culture. Starting December 2023, parents (Bank’s staff) are now eligible to avail a minimum of 20 weeks i.e., one hundred and forty calendar days (140 calendar days) of paid Parental Leave – irrespective of gender, relationship status, or how a child comes to join a family (i.e., adoption) permanently.

SCBNL is said to be the first bank in the country to introduce such benefits for all its employees, aimed at leveling the playing field by allowing them to partake equally in caregiving responsibilities for their children. Accordingly, maternity, paternity, and adoption leave benefits (jointly referred to as ‘Parental Leave’) will be 140 calendar days.

Rajan Udas, Head of Human Resources at Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited (SCBNL) said, ” We believe benefits such as this help address prevalent societal norms around traditional roles, improve workforce participation, and provide options to those who want to take up shared childcare responsibilities. This will positively impact families’ financial well-being and create a more inclusive workplace that supports everyone’s family planning choices.”