Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH), one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hygienic paper products, continues to set the standard in its pursuit to promote gender equality and inclusivity with an expansion of benefits which includes a policy offering paid paternity leave, providing unprecedented support for new fathers. The ‘Paternity Leave Policy’ which went into effect on 1 October, 2019 offers a four week leave period, with three weeks at full pay and the additional week unpaid, as well as flexible work arrangements. All of FHH’s male employees who have completed their probation period can benefit from this new programme.

“At FHH, we understand the important role each parent plays when fostering a new family,” said James Michael Lafferty, CEO of Fine Hygienic Holding. “Which is why, after extensive benchmarking across our peer companies, we have created a first-rate ‘Paternity Leave Policy’ that reflects our commitment to our employees and sets an example of progress across the MENA region. It builds on other important steps that the company has taken to invest in our people and positively impact their well-being and experience at FHH, reinforcing one of the company’s most central cultural values, ‘if we take care of the people, the business will take care of itself’”.

The introduction of the paternity policy follows the announcement of FHH’s world-class, regional-leading maternity leave programme that was updated earlier this year to offer expecting mothers up to 16 weeks paid leave with the option to extend the leave an additional 16 weeks, albeit unpaid. Furthermore, the new ‘Return to Work Policy’ can be extended up to four months, allowing new mothers to choose between working 60%, 80%, or 100% of a full-time position to ease the transition back to work, in addition to breastfeeding breaks and the option of shifting to part-time basis.

Both the new ‘Paternity Leave Policy’ and updated ‘Maternity Policy’ highlight the company’s commitment to going above and beyond for its employees and their families, and sets a shining example of progress in gender equality both within the region and on a global scale. “In the past, the corporate world has given little consideration to the vital role men play in the initial stages of supporting a growing family, but FHH has fully embraced the task of challenging antiquated practices, moving the company forward as a beacon of modernity, progress, and equality,” added Lafferty.