Bahçeşehir University Maternity and Paternity Policy
Bahçeşehir University (BAU) is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees and students. This policy ensures equality and provides comprehensive support for individuals experiencing pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, breastfeeding and miscarriage, ensuring that all parents are treated with respect and fairness, regardless of gender.
This policy also encompasses paternity support to facilitate the non-gestational parent in providing assistance to the gestational parent, promoting shared responsibility and care.
1. Equal Treatment and Non-Discrimination
BAU ensures that no individual is discriminated against based on pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, breastfeeding and miscarriage, All employees and students are entitled to fair treatment and support during these life stages. Any form of discrimination or unfavorable treatment related to these conditions is strictly prohibited.
2. Pregnancy and Childbirth Leave
Maternity Leave: Employees who give birth are entitled to at least 16 weeks of paid maternity leave. This includes leave before and after childbirth to ensure the health and well-being of the parent and child.
3. Paternity Leave for Non-gestational Parents
Non-gestational parents are entitled to at least 2 weeks of paid paternity leave at Bahçeşehir University (BAU) to support their families and bond with their newborns during the post-birth period. BAU extends beyond the 5-day paternity leave period stipulated by Turkish Labor Law, providing non-gestational parents with the opportunity to offer greater support to their families and establish a healthy connection with their newborns. This leave encourages parents to dedicate more time to their families, offering emotional and physical support.
4. Adoption Leave
BAU recognizes adoption as an equally important family event. Employees adopting a child are entitled to the same leave benefits as biological parents, including parental leave. Adoption leave will reflect the needs of the adopting parent to bond with their new child and adjust to parenthood.
5. Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding Breaks: BAU provides all breastfeeding parents with the right to take breaks during work hours to nurse their child or express milk. Employees are entitled to at least 1.5 hours of paid breastfeeding breaks daily for the first 12 months after the birth of the child.
6. Miscarriage Leave
BAU recognizes the physical and emotional impact of miscarriage. Employees who experience a miscarriage are entitled to paid leave to recover. The length of the leave will be based on medical advice, and flexible working arrangements will be made upon their return if needed.
7. Flexible Working Arrangements
BAU offers flexible working arrangements to accommodate the needs of new parents. This may include flexible hours to help balance professional responsibilities with personal health and family commitments.
8. Health and Safety
BAU is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for pregnant employees and individuals recovering from reproductive health-related procedures. Appropriate measures are taken to reduce workplace risks and adjust working conditions where necessary, ensuring the well-being of all employees.
9. Job Security and Return to Work
Employees taking maternity, paternity, adoption, or miscarriage leave are guaranteed job security. Upon their return to work, employees are entitled to resume their previous role or a similar position with equivalent terms and conditions. BAU offers re-integration support to ensure a smooth transition back to work.
10. Equal Benefits for All Parents
BAU ensures that all parental benefits are applied equally, regardless of gender, and to both biological and adoptive parents.
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