Case Study: Women Returners - Citi

Citi offers a variety of policies to support female staff through maternity and also for working parents in general. They are now focusing more on line managers to give them the skills and knowledge to manage and support women before, during and after maternity leave.

Managing Maternity training workshops are offered automatically to all managers of pregnant employees. This half day workshop explores the issues relating to Pre-Maternity and Maternity Leave. By the end of the session, managers are fully aware of the current legislative context and HR policies relating to maternity; will have discussed the anxieties and issues many women face in the run-up to their leave of absence; and will have formulated strategies for working in partnership with their employee for a handover/coverage strategy for the leave. Approximately 6 months later, or when their employee is ready to return, the manager is invited back to attend a follow-up session to focus on working in partnership with their employee on reintegrating back into the business.

Citi’s maternity return rate is 98%, achieved by a combination of

• Policies, such as flexible working and enhanced maternity pay
• Support for the women themselves via the CitiParents Network
• Maternity and the Manager Training outlined above

Citi is now expanding in the area of 1:1 Maternity Coaching for Senior Women.