Embracing inclusive parental leave

Vicinity is a proud member of the Champions of Change Coalition, and as such we believe that when work is designed to be more inclusive for women, it results in stronger, safer, and more productive workplaces for everyone.

Part of the Coalition’s focus is on the impact of redesigning systems to be more inclusive –women represented in leadership, closing the pay gap and policies that foster more equal caregiving and flexible work options for both genders, without stigma.

We’re committed to gender equality and cultural change, and one way we encourage shared caregiving and flexible options is through our inclusive ‘Every Family - Paid Parental Leave’ policy. From day one, every Vicinity team member has access to flexible, equitable parental leave that supports their personal and professional goals. It empowers parents, regardless of gender or role, to grow their families while growing their careers.

We spoke with some of our Development dads to hear how Vicinity’s parental leave policy has helped them balance fatherhood, family and their career.

Zishan Mustafa - Development Manager

VCX: How are you taking your leave?

Zishan: I took three weeks when my son was born and will take the remainder in blocks to support my family and my wife’s needs.

VCX: How did your manager support you?

Zishan: As well as being supportive of my leave arrangement, my manager (who is also a parent) provided insightful advice on the best time to take leave, considering my son’s developmental milestones and my family’s needs.

VCX: Why is parental leave important to your family?

Zishan: Taking this time allows me to support my wife as she transitions back into completing her Masters along with being able to spend time with my son as he develops.

VCX: What are you looking forward to from your time on leave?

Zishan: We will be travelling back to Bangladesh to visit some our relatives. We’re looking forward to introducing Zaviyan to my wife’s mother and grandfather for the first time.

VCX: There is low uptake of fathers taking full parental leave entitlements in Australia – do you think attitudes are changing?

Zishan: I do believe attitudes are changing with how families/parents are supporting each other. Within my family and friends where in the last year there has been about six births, all the fathers have been maximising the use of their parental leave. With a few of us taking it at the same time, we have also built our own support group. I think awareness of the policy and seeing friends or coworkers use their full parental leave helps people feel more comfortable to do the same.

Peter Leech - Senior Project Manager

VCX: How have you taken your leave?

Peter: I took my leave in several blocks, which allowed me to balance the demands of a live project with the needs of my family. The flexibility of Vicinity’s policy meant I could structure my leave in a way that accommodated both home and work needs. While the critical nature of the project made finding the “right” time challenging, I was able to commit to working during crucial project periods and spend meaningful time at home when it aligned too.

VCX: Why is parental leave important to your family?

Peter: My family is quite isolated from other relatives, who live either in Queensland or South Korea, so being able to support my wife during the early days and months of our child’s development was incredibly important.

VCX: Can you share a highlight from your time on leave?

Peter: Having the chance to spend quality time with both kids during their school holidays- moments that happen only once in their lives - is truly special. I’m grateful the business provides the opportunity to create these once-in-a-lifetime memories.

VCX: Any advice to other soon-to-be parents?

Peter: Work closely with your manager to tailor a leave plan that suits your family’s needs, while also considering the needs of the team and business. With open communication and collaboration on the plan, you’ll find something that meets everyone’s needs – where possible.

VCX: There is low uptake of fathers taking full parental leave entitlements in Australia – do you think attitudes are changing?

Peter: I believe attitudes are shifting, and the misconception that fathers cannot be the primary caregivers—and that their support is less necessary —would be quickly challenged by many. Speaking from my own experience, I know my presence was deeply appreciated and essential in supporting the entire family during this time.

Mark Allan - Strategy Manager

VCX: How have you taken your leave?

Mark: I took my leave primarily in one large block once my son was 9 months old, allowing my wife to return to work and for me to spend some quality time with him.

VCX: How did your manager support your leave?

Mark: My manager was supportive of any leave arrangement my family needed, fully understanding the importance of taking the time to spend with my son during the early parts of his life.

VCX: Why is parental leave important to your family?

Mark: It was incredibly important as it allowed me to bond with my son when he was still very young and allowed my family to bridge the gap between my wife’s parental leave ending and the start of childcare.

VCX: Can you share a special memory from your time on leave?

Mark: During the 3.5 months, we would go to the local pool each week, where I’d teach him to swim (or at least splash around). It was great to see him become more comfortable and actually enjoy the pool over those weeks, and now going to the pool is one of his favourite activities.

VCX: How did you prepare for parental leave?

Mark: If you are planning on taking a large block, I recommend talking to your manager/team early to see if there are better periods to take the leave. I was able to match my family needs with a quieter period of work, working best for both.

VCX: There is low uptake of fathers taking full parental leave entitlements in Australia – do you think attitudes are changing?

Mark: In my circle of friends this is starting to change, and I’ve had many dads say they are very jealous of my parental leave! As more and more companies follow in VCX’s footsteps, I’m sure fathers taking time off for early parenting will become commonplace.

To kick start your Vicinity career journey, search our open roles page.