The Royal Air Force has been named the best employer for mothers in a national competition aimed at highlighting examples of flexible working.
Work-life balance charity Working Families said given the nature of the RAF’s work and the fact just 14.7% of employees are women, its retention rate for mothers a year after returning from maternity leave was "impressive" at 82%.
The charity cited that the RAF's maternity leave includes 26 weeks on full pay, as well as pre and post-natal fitness sessions and that mothers can apply for flexible working.
The RAF was also a joint winner of the 'Innovation' award:
The RAF has merged HR metrics and information from several sources into one central data repository to provide detailed, current information on the take up of flexible working and parental leave options. It means the RAF now has hard evidence with which to assess its policies, showing where they are doing well and areas for improvement.
Full details of all the award winners are on the Working Families Website here.
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