Sony Pictures Networks introduces women-friendly work-linked benefits

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has introduced new initiatives to make the company even more women-friendly than before. The media conglomerate recently announced an amendment to its maternity leave policy with an increase in the quantum of paid maternity leave, coupled with additional benefits for new and expectant mothers in the company. This maternity policy will benefit women employees in the event of childbirth, surrogacy or adoption, while employed with the company.

The duration of paid leave that can be availed for maternity has been increased from 12 weeks to 6 months (180 calendar days). The maternity leave period may start from up to 6 weeks prior to the expected date of delivery and in the case of adoption or surrogacy; it starts from the date of adoption or surrogacy delivery date. To ensure that expectant and new mothers are taken special care of while working at the office premises, expectant mothers who self-drive, are given priority parking at office locations in Mumbai, Gurgaon and Bengaluru.

To make sure that a new mother’s return to the work environment is smooth, SPN has made special provision for a Mothers Room, where a new mother can pump and store milk for her baby while at work. The room is equipped with a refrigerator and has all other necessary amenities to maintain hygiene. SPN’s ratio of female employees to the overall employee population was at 32.2 per cent during the last fiscal year (2015-16).

The company also has a paternity policy applicable for its male employees for a period of 5 working days or 84 calendar days in case of a single male parent (in the case of adoption).

NP Singh, CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN), commented, “We are proud of our work culture and practices that encourage and foster diversity. It is our constant endeavour to be an organisation which takes care of its people and provides a conducive environment which inspires them to realise their full potential. Women form an integral part of our workforce. Our policies are geared towards encouraging women at SPN to develop their careers and essay leadership roles while playing a key part in supporting their families.”

Smriti K Singh, Chief HRO for SPN, added here, “Talent, culture and engagement are key elements of our people philosophy. At SPN, we recognise that when employees develop a strong connect with the organisation, they contribute more, which positively impacts business results. We take a holistic approach to engagement and are continuously evolving our initiatives to attract, develop and retain the best talent.”

SPN also offers several attractive health and wellness benefits for all its employees. There is a Doctor’s Room in the office premises with a doctor on call twice a week. Employees can access the doctor for free consultations as the doctor’s fees are paid by SPN. The company also implements several wellness initiatives throughout the year. Some examples include Stepathalon, Mixed Martial Arts for women, Desktop Yoga and flexible annual health checkups based on individual needs. The company has a cricket team which participates in various corporate cricket tournaments. It also encourages employee participation in various sporting events, including local city marathons.