#Singapore #Trip.com Group #Employee Benefits #Childcare Leave

Trip.com Group Enhances Childcare Leave Policy for Global Employees

In a significant move that underscores its commitment to supporting working parents, Trip.com Group has announced an extension of its childcare leave policy, permitting an additional three days of paid leave for employees with children under 18. This newly implemented benefit stands to impact over 10,000 employees globally, furthering the company's goal of fostering a family-friendly workplace.

The extension of childcare leave is part of Trip.com Group's broader sustainability framework, aimed at enriching workplace culture and promoting inclusivity. This policy not only enhances the existing benefits package that includes childcare subsidies and hybrid working arrangements but also reflects a concerted effort to accommodate parents at various stages of their children's development.

Previously, the amount of childcare leave employees could take varied significantly across different countries, contingent on local statutory requirements. With the new policy, eligible employees now enjoy a consistent framework that grants them necessary time off to manage family responsibilities without sacrificing their professional engagements. A spokesperson from the HR team of Trip.com highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Raising a child requires more than just financial support—it involves time, care, and a strong support system.”

Reactions from Employees

The response from Trip.com Group employees has been overwhelmingly positive. For instance, Bingxing Zhou, an employee based in Shanghai, expressed delight over the additional childcare days. She acknowledged that as children grow, they require increased parental engagement. “I’m happy I can spend more time with my kid doing meaningful activities while maintaining my work balance,” she said.

Jessica Lai from the Singapore office added that the extended leave reflects the company's understanding of the diverse needs of parents, particularly beyond the early stages of child-rearing. She noted, “This new childcare policy is a great step forward, indicating a recognition that parents need time and flexibility to care for their kids even at later stages.” Annwen Bristow from the UK echoed these sentiments, stating that the policy alleviates the stress of balancing unexpected family emergencies and work commitments.

Commitment to Family Support

Beyond introducing an extended childcare leave policy, Trip.com Group has been vigilant about investing in family-support initiatives. In 2023, the company allocated approximately one billion yuan (around US$137.6 million) for childcare subsidies. Employees with over three years at the company receive an annual cash bonus of 10,000 yuan (approximately US$1376.44) for each child from birth to the age of five. This program has already benefited more than 1,130 employees, assisting them with essential expenses like formula, diapers, healthcare, and education.

The initiative aligns with Trip.com Group's overarching goal to enhance employee well-being. Their recent shift towards hybrid work options has allowed employees to work remotely on designated days, effectively saving an estimated 900,000 hours in commuting time. This transition not only promotes family well-being but also improves overall job satisfaction and work-life balance, while also contributing to reduced traffic congestion in urban areas.

Remarkably, Trip.com Group has achieved nearly 100% retention of female employees returning to work after maternity leave, a testament to the efficacy of its employee-friendly policies. The combination of childcare leave, paid parental leave, and childcare subsidies illustrates the company’s commitment to workplace equity and career advancement.

A Model for the Future

As corporate social responsibility gains preeminence, Trip.com Group is positioning itself as a trailblazer with its innovative policies that prioritize employee welfare. The expansion of its childcare leave policy exemplifies the shifting landscape of corporate culture towards more supportive environments for working parents.

Looking forward, Trip.com Group hopes to inspire other organizations globally to adopt similar initiatives, promoting a more inclusive and sustainable corporate atmosphere. With a mission to create a better world through travel, Trip.com Group continues to facilitate meaningful connections between teams while advocating for policies that resonate with the modern family dynamics.

About Trip.com Group

Founded in 1999, Trip.com Group operates as a leading global travel service provider, managing platforms like Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. It's dedicated to helping travelers worldwide make informed, cost-effective travel decisions and arms partners with comprehensive resources and advanced transaction platforms through its well-established apps and websites. Listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2021, the organization's mission encapsulates its goal of striving for ‘the perfect trip for a better world’.