The Tribune

The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) believes the major increases in paid leave for new parents will be “a huge differentiator” in its attractiveness as an employer.

The communications provider’s updated parental leave policy provides more time off for new mothers and fathers, and is applicable whether employees become parents biologically, via surrogacy or through adoption.

Mothers will receive an additional three weeks, increasing maternity leave to 16 paid weeks. Fathers now receive eight weeks paid leave, an increase of seven weeks. Adoptive parents and parents through surrogacy now receive eight weeks off, whereas previously there was no paid leave.

Garry Sinclair, BTC’s chief executive, said: “This is a huge differentiator for us. We recognise the benefits of parental leave, and we believe that this bold step will allow our people to have more time to build stronger connections with their newborns. The policy is quite progressive and aligns more closely with our philosophy and culture.”

BTC added that its policy provides further support for parents as they prepare to return to work by offering leave on a continuous basis.

“Evolving our parental leave policy, quite simply, is the right thing to do,” said Kerry Scott, chief people officer at Liberty Latin America, BTC’s ultimate parent. “We recognise that diversity drives success, and family dynamics and structures have changed.

“Our new policy demonstrates our commitment to a culture of diversity and inclusion, and one that puts our people at the heart of our success. Research has clearly demonstrated significant benefits to increasing parental leave across the board. We expect that these changes will increase the organisation’s ability to retain and attract new talent, and foster a more engaged workforce.”

Mr Sinclair added: “BTC remains one of the best places to work in The Bahamas. These positive changes are indicative of our dedication to the well-being of our people. We want our parents to feel supported both economically and emotionally. Father’s Day was celebrated on Sunday, and what better time for this policy to come into effect.”

Employees across the Liberty Latin America market will receive the new benefits of this new parental leave policy. It came into effect locally on June 1, 2019.