South32 is the only resources company to feature in HBF’s top 20 best Australian workplaces for new fathers in 2020.
The list, prepared by research firm CoreData and private health insurance company HBF, analyses parental benefits for fathers working in Australia’s largest companies by revenue.
It gives credit to “dad-friendly policies” such as parental leave and flexible working arrangements.
South32, which employs 4713 employees, is ranked 14th and has made a four-week provision for paid secondary carer’s leave and a 26-week provision for primary carers.
South32 production planning superintendent at the Groote Eylandt Mining Company (GEMCO), Angus Phelps, said the company’s parental leave policy had helped his family through the added difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Living remotely on Groote Eylandt has its challenges, but COVID really threw out our plans when we were expecting our third child in June,” Phelps said.
“My wife … needed to be in Darwin from 36 weeks, but with borders closed, extended family were unable to travel and support us.
“South32’s parental leave policy gave me the flexibility to support (her) before and after the birth of (our son) in June. I’m incredibly thankful for the time we spent together as a family during an incredible year.”
South32 chief executive, Graham Kerr, said to attract and retain the best people, South32 offers a workplace providing for equally fulfilling careers and personal lives.
“Our parental leave policy makes it easier for parents to take time off and be with their families, particularly during those special early years,” Kerr said.
“We are proud to once again be recognised as one of Australia’s top workplaces for dads.”
South32 made the list for the third year running, ranking 10th place last year.
Other companies that are named Australia’s best workplaces for new fathers this year include Deloitte (1st), Google Australia (9th) and Apple (12th).