Curtin University has been named among Australia’s best 20 workplaces for new dads – ranked at number 16 in the country and 2nd in Western Australia.
The rankings were compiled by Direct Advice for Dads (DAD) – a website for expectant dads, new dads and dads of toddlers created by insurer HBF. DAD analysed the policies of Australia’s 500 largest companies and collaborated with workplace and parenting experts to determine the list.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said Curtin was proud to be acknowledged as a top employer for dads for the second year in a row and remained committed to ensuring appropriately flexible work arrangements for all staff.
“Our aim is to ensure flexible work is encouraged, accessible, accommodated and embedded so that it simply becomes a normal part of how we support staff,” Professor Terry said.
“We see parental leave and flexibility in the workplace as a fundamental approach that produces far-reaching benefits, both to our staff, and to our broader community as well.
“It is wonderful to see a new father being able to take advantage of the opportunity to visit their child who is placed at our on-site childcare centre during their day, or having lunch with their young family on a picnic rug in our beautiful gardens.”
Curtin University offers dads the opportunity to take their 14 weeks’ paid primary carer’s leave any way they like – in a single block, split over multiple periods, or as part of a part-time roster. Paid secondary carer’s leave is also available for three weeks.
Curtin offers excellent childcare facilities, with the Early Childhood Centre recently becoming the first in WA to achieve an “exceeding” rating on all seven education and care services, including educational program and practice, children’s health and safety and relationships with children.
The University also has a parenting guide under development as a one-stop-shop for information about leave opportunities, procedures and policies as well as how to stay connected and access the support available before, during and after their return to work, including further down the track when their kids are old enough to participate in Curtin’s Carnaby Kids Sports Program during the school holidays.
For more information about the DAD rankings, visit here.
