News update as of March 15, 2019

Novartis to gradually introduce 14-weeks of parental leave for its global workforce. In a statement published on its website on 14 March (here), the Swiss pharmaceuticals group announced that all group workers, across its global operations, will be eligible for a minimum of 14 weeks of parental leave, from their first day of employment, by the year 2021. For Novartis workers that are in countries where they are already eligible for 14 weeks of parental leave, the group aims to encourage this leave being used effectively. The right will be granted to all parents welcoming a new child through birth, surrogacy (if the national legislation allows this) or adoption, and regardless of the gender of the second parent, according to the statement. Furthermore, prior to taking parental leave and upon re-entry to work, Novartis will provide coaching to help its employees reintegrate into the workplace.