Constellation Brands boosts paid parental leave

US-based drinks group Constellation Brands has expanded the paid parental leave entitlement for all its eligible US employees.

Constellation Brands has expanded its paid parental leave provision for all parents

New mothers will now receive 16 weeks of fully-paid leave, and all employees, regardless of gender or orientation, can take up to eight weeks of paid leave when they become parents or caregivers, including through adoption or foster placements.

There is no statutory requirement in the US for any company to offer paid maternity or parental leave.

The company says its new policy supplements the paid leave already provided to birth mothers, and that the move will make it easier for people to better manage both long-term career and family goals.

“Welcoming a new baby or child is a momentous event for all families,” said Tom Kane, executive vice president and chief human resources officer, Constellation Brands.

“As a company founded with and guided by family values, Constellation appreciates the importance for all parents to have the opportunity to spend time and bond with their new child.

“The expanded parental leave policy helps us attract and retain stellar talent across the organisation and build an inclusive environment that supports both working moms and dads by removing gender from the equation.

“We’re confident that these enhanced benefits will allow the time needed to bond with their children so that when they return to work, new moms and dads will be more productive and successful. Ultimately, the expansion of our parental leave benefits make us a stronger company with a talented and dynamic workforce.”

Constellation Brands adds that it also provides a number of work-life balance programmes and benefits, including adoption assistance, legal assistance, child care and elder care support.

The company announced in January its third-quarter net sales climbed 10% to US$1.81 billion, with its operating income shooting up 19% to US$534m.