GroupM NZ launches flexible public holidays

AUCKLAND, Thursday: GroupM NZ has quickly followed up on yesterday’s gender-neutral-paid-parental-leave announcement, with a flexible public holiday’s policy.

GroupM AUNZ agencies Mindshare, Wavemaker, MediaCom and Essence have introduced an inclusive flexible public holiday policy that allows staff to recognise the cultural and religious dates that are significant to them.

NZ ceo Chris Riley said: “This means all our people can chose to opt in or opt out of national public holidays, and choose to recognise alternative days of significance to them.

“We believe our differences make us stronger. Flexible Public Holidays mean all cultures, beliefs and identities can be celebrated equally.

“The move is the latest phase of Strive, GroupM’s Future of Work programme and its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy to make GroupM a better, more inclusive, place for all employees.

“AUNZ staff already get their birthdays off and long service is rewarded with bonus leave.”

“In the first phase, national holidays such as Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter Monday and the Queen’s Birthday, that may not be culturally relevant to all, will be flexible.

“Irrespective of religious or cultural belief, all staff can choose to work any or all of the flexible public holidays in exchange for another day off in the year that is important to them, their culture, identity, or beliefs.

Sydney-based AUNZ ceo Aimee Buchanan said: “At GroupM we are a diverse group of people and we respect different cultures, beliefs and identities. We believe our differences make us stronger. As such, we have introduced this Flexible Public Holiday Policy to allow for all cultures, beliefs and identities to be celebrated equally.

“GroupM already offers all employees five additional half days of leave throughout summer, as part of its Summer Days initiative. Staff get their birthdays off and long service is rewarded with bonus leave.

• Earlier story
• www.groupm.com