Combating Low Birthrate: KY Group Financial Enhances Employee Maternity Leave to 12 Weeks

(Central News Agency reporter Tseng Jen-kai, Taipei, June 15) In response to government efforts to combat Taiwan's low birthrate crisis, KY Group Financial announced today the implementation of several enhanced parenting support measures starting in June. The company will become the first in its sector to extend female employees' maternity leave from the current eight weeks to twelve weeks. Additionally, the 'Parenting Care Package' will be expanded to include male employees preparing for parenthood, fostering a more inclusive and gender-equal work environment.

In a press release, KY Group stated that low birthrate has become a critical issue facing Taiwanese society. Establishing a supportive environment for childbirth and parenting is not only a key government policy direction but also an essential aspect of corporate social responsibility. Female employees within the KY Group whose children are born on or after June 1 will be eligible for the new 12-week maternity leave policy, allowing mothers more time for postnatal recovery and bonding with their newborns.

In addition to extending maternity leave, KY Group announced the optimization of its existing parenting support system. Previously, the 'Parenting Care Package' was distributed primarily to female employees who applied for prenatal checkup leave and maternity leave, offering practical baby supplies and warm wishes to express corporate support for employees' families. To further promote gender equality and shared parenting, starting June 1, male employees who apply for prenatal checkup companion leave and paternity leave will also be included as recipients of the care package.

KY Group emphasized that caregiving responsibilities in modern families are no longer limited to one gender, and shared parenting has become a societal trend. This expansion of care measures not only acknowledges the important role of fathers in child-rearing but also encourages male employees to actively participate in family care, share parenting responsibilities, and promote family well-being and workplace equity.

KY Group stated it will continue to promote various employee welfare initiatives, from leave policies exceeding legal requirements and flexible work arrangements to parenting support programs, health promotion, and employee care activities, aiming to create a happy workplace that balances work and life. (Edited by Lin Chia-hsien) 1150615