Switzerland: Allianz’s Swiss subsidiary now granting eight weeks of paternity leave

So that fathers can better welcome the arrival of their child (including adoption) and achieve a better balance between their professional and personal lives, Allianz Suisse has decided to extend employees’ paternity leave from two to eight weeks. This new provision, which also applies to same-sex couples, goes well beyond Swiss legislation, which sets 10 working days of paternity leave. “Society is evolving and needs are changing rapidly. This new regulation in favor of fathers also allows us to strengthen our position as a modern, family-friendly company, because nothing is more important in life than family,” said Severin Moser, CEO of Allianz Switzerland in a statement. The extended paternity leave comes into effect retroactively on January 1, 2021, and can be taken on a weekly or daily basis. “This improves our attractiveness as an employer, especially since this increased flexibility applies not only to paternity leave but also to maternity leave and our working time models,” the CEO added. Finally, Allianz Suisse also allows employees to reduce attendance by 20% for up to 12 months after the birth and to take up to eight weeks of unpaid leave.