St Georges Bank and BankSA announce grandparents’ leave and other staff benefits
St Georges Bank and BankSA staff will be able to take up to 12 months’ unpaid leave to assist in caring for their grandchildren under the second stage of an industry-leading staff benefits scheme.
The banks will also extend their interest-free staff loans for green purchases to include energy and water-efficient appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.
The enhanced benefits build on the program that was launched last December and included 13 weeks’ paid parental leave.
The innovative new benefits would offer staff more flexible working conditions and were part of an ongoing focus on recruitment, development and training.
Grandparents will be able to take up to 12 months’ leave in a way that suits them, such as working part-time, taking time off in blocks or in some other way that meets their needs.
The enhanced benefits program also includes changes to volunteer leave. The existing one-day volunteer leave benefit has been modified to allow staff to take the leave in teams to provide group support for the community, environment or other charities.
Other benefits introduced in the first stage of the program included flexible work hours for mature-aged workers and parents.
The Banks see the new plans as enabling staff to have more flexibility in their work and home lives, encouraging staff loyalty and also in attracting new staff.
