Maternity leave is crucial for mothers and newborns, providing much-needed rest and bonding time. Singapore has a comprehensive paid maternity leave policy to support working mothers.
Paid Maternity Leave: A Complete Guide
Singapore’s maternity leave policy offers eligible employees 16 weeks of maternity leave, with the first eight weeks paid by their employers and the remaining eight weeks paid by the government through a statutory scheme. This generous provision supports new mothers’ physical and emotional needs while promoting a family-friendly work environment. Mothers can take the leave before or after childbirth, as long as at least eight weeks are taken after the baby’s arrival.
Employer-Paid Maternity Leave
Employers in Singapore must provide eight weeks of paid maternity leave to eligible employees, regardless of the size or nature of their businesses. To be eligible, the employee must have given proper notice to the employer and worked for at least three months before the child’s birth. In exceptional cases, the employee may still be eligible for the full 16 weeks of maternity leave.
Calculating Employer-Paid Maternity Leave Benefits
Employers calculate maternity leave benefits based on the employee’s gross monthly salary. The amount paid during the eight weeks may vary depending on the employee’s employment terms and conditions. Employers must communicate the calculation method and ensure compliance with Singapore’s employment laws and regulations.
Government-Paid Maternity Leave
Singapore’s government provides a paid maternity leave scheme for eligible employees. To qualify, one must be a citizen or permanent resident, have worked for the same employer for at least three months, and have been covered under the Employment Act or the Child Development Co-Savings Act. The scheme grants eight weeks of paid leave for both natural and adopted children. In exceptional circumstances, additional weeks may be given.
Applying for Government-Paid Maternity Leave
Employees must submit an application form and required documents to the Central Provident Fund Board (CPF Board) to apply for government-paid maternity leave. The documents include a copy of the employee’s NRIC, the child’s birth certificate, and confirmation of employment and salary details. The CPF Board will disburse the benefits directly to the employee’s bank or CPF accounts upon approval.
Unlock Your Maternity Leave Benefits with BrioHR
Are you a business operating in Singapore striving to support your employees during their crucial maternity leave period? Look no further. BrioHR offers a comprehensive HR solution tailored to your needs, including seamless management of maternity leave benefits. With our intuitive platform, you can effortlessly navigate the complexities of Singapore’s maternity leave policies, ensuring compliance and ease of process.
