Women employees at Microsoft Israel's R&D center were notified today that they will receive a monthly grant for childcare for two years. New mothers will have the right to gradually return to full-time work: a 50% position for one year and 80% position through the second year. The policy will come into effect on May 1.
Men will not be eligible for the benefit, even though men account for 90% of Microsoft Israel's R&D center's 6,000 employees.
Microsoft Israel said that the new policy was a pioneering effort, but it raises the question whether, in addition to financial savings, it involves discrimination against a substantial proportion of the company's employees. The benefit will apply to only a limited number of employees out of its entire workforce. Microsoft Israel will apparently have to provide answers, first to its men employees, who work long hours, but will not be eligible for the benefit even though they share with their wives in monthly expenses.
"Women make up half the population and 28% of all technology students, but only 22% of high-tech employees," said Microsoft Israel R&D center general manager Yoram Yaacovi. "The small number of women who study technology is a major challenge in Israeli high tech, but the high drop-out rate from the profession adds another dimension to the problem. This is mainly because most women have accumulated the wealth of unique experience and knowledge that is needed to develop new products. We believe that the monthly childcare benefit and gradual return to work will give women employees enough flexibility and encourage them to return to work after giving birth."
Yaacovi added, "In recent decades, women have led major technological developments, demonstrating their extraordinary capabilities. It is our duty to do whatever possible to encourage women's participation in the industry and to help them return to work after giving birth."
Microsoft Israel said in response, "On the basis of data gathered, Microsoft's R&D center saw a specific need to reduce the rate at which women leave work after giving birth. This is why the benefit is intended for women at this stage. This is the first step taken by the company in this area, and it will probably be expanded in other directions later, on the basis of accumulated data and experience."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on April 10, 2013
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