We believe that supporting employees in harmonising their work and family responsibilities is a fundamental pillar for enhancing their holistic wellbeing at home and at work. We understand that employees with family commitments thrive in an environment that values their personal lives and provides the necessary support and flexibility to meet their needs. Our overarching objective revolves around cultivating a culture that actively champions the equilibrium between professional and personal spheres, enhancing employee engagement, and nurtures a supportive, inclusive, healthy and secure environment that caters to the wellbeing of every individual.
The influence of these family centred initiatives on our work environment has been profound. Through our comprehensive parental leave, we showcase our dedication to assisting employees during crucial life transitions. This communicates a strong affirmation that family holds utmost importance, empowering employees to prioritise their personal lives while still pursuing career advancement.
It’s vitally important to provide a nurturing, family friendly environment at Thales for all working parents and recognises the important role we all play in a child’s development of the next generation.
Amanda Duval, Early Careers Manager at Thales Australia, started working with Thales earlier this year and utilised the Thales Australia Parental Leave provisions.
“This policy takes away the requirement to have served in the company for a minimum period which means my family can be adequately supported while I start my new journey as a mum. Thales’ Parental Leave policy really puts my family first and allows me to fully focus on this journey knowing my career is there to return to when me and my family are ready.”
Being a family-inclusive organisation provides numerous business benefits. Research has consistently shown that diverse and inclusive organisations outperform their counterparts. By prioritising family inclusivity, we expand our potential talent pool, increase team member health and engagement, and ultimately achieve better financial results for our shareholders. What sets family inclusivity apart is that it applies to everyone in some capacity, as we all have family connections. This means that achieving Family Friendly status brings benefits to every single team member at Thales, which is truly exciting.
Embracing a family inclusive stance brings forth a multitude of advantages for Thales. Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated that diverse, equitable and inclusive companies outshine their peers. Our commitment to family inclusivity broadens our scope of potential talent, heightens the wellbeing and involvement of team members, and ultimately leads to improved outcomes for our business. This signifies that attaining the “Family Friendly Workplace” benchmark yields benefits for each and every member of the Thales team, a prospect that is truly invigorating.
Meet Paul, a dedicated Thales employee with an impressive tenure of 13 years and 24 days (though he humorously claims not to be keeping track!). What began as a brief three-month assignment from the UK to Australia evolved into an extraordinary 11-year journey—a journey that led to a new citizenship, two beautiful children, and a warm family home.
Paul fully embraced the parental leave benefits provided by Thales. On two separate occasions, he took advantage of this privilege to spend invaluable time with his newborn children. With 14 weeks of leave for the first child and 20 weeks of leave for the second, Paul prioritised bonding time and support for his partner. Valuing the work-life equilibrium, he gladly embraced his role as a parent, allowing his partner to pursue and develop their career.
Beyond enriching his family life, Paul utilised his parental leave with unforgettable experiences. Immersing himself in nature, he enjoyed beach days and introduced his son, Kaspian, to the thrill of rock climbing. Meanwhile, his daughter, Matylda, accompanied him on hiking escapades. These shared adventures etched indelible memories and kindled a sense of love for nature and exploration within his children.
With a unified approach to parenting, Paul and his partner uphold the principles of fairness and equality in sharing responsibilities. From attending to late-night baby needs to managing household chores and school-related commitments, they epitomise teamwork and devotion to their family.
Paul’s story at Thales serves as a testament to the company’s steadfast commitment to fostering work-life harmony, allowing employees to excel both in their professional pursuits and personal joys. Empowered by the provisions of parental leave and the nurturing environment of a family-friendly culture, Paul personifies the realisation of a fulfilling career while cherishing the immeasurable joys of family life.
"Family-inclusive workplaces recognise the integral role that personal and family life plays in the wellbeing and productivity of our employees. By fostering a supportive environment that respects and accommodates family responsibilities, we empower our team members to bring their whole selves to work, leading to enhanced health, engagement, creativity, and overall job satisfaction. The Family Friendly Workplace certification is a testament to our commitment to creating a workplace that values work-life balance.”
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