Unlike maternity leave, there’s no national rule for dads in China – it’s a postcode lottery. As a manager overseeing Chinese staff, it’s crucial to be aware of the varying paternity leave policies across the country.
Regional Variations
Standard Leave Duration
Paternity leave varies significantly by region, ranging from 10 to 30 days of paid leave. Here’s how it breaks down in key regions:
- 10 days: Shanghai
- 15 days: Beijing
- 20 days: Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Hunan, Sichuan, Chongqing
- 30 days: Yunnan, Gansu, Henan, Anhui, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Tibet
Pay and Benefits
- Salary During Leave: Employees are entitled to 100% of their salary during paternity leave.
- Job Protection: It is mandatory to protect the employee’s job during their leave period.
Additional Benefits
Parental Leave
Beyond paternity leave, many regions offer additional parental leave benefits:
- Beijing: 5 working days annually until child turns 3
- Shanghai: 5 working days
- Most provinces: 10 days
Leave Transfer Options
In Beijing and some other provinces, couples can arrange to transfer extended maternity leave days to increase the father’s paternity leave, subject to employer approval.
Employment Protection
During paternity leave, employers cannot:
- Dismiss the employee
- Dissolve the labour contract
- Reduce wages
Managerial Recommendations
- Tailored Policies: Ensure your company has tailored leave policies that reflect the specific regulations of each region where you operate.
- Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of all leave taken by employees to ensure compliance with local labour laws.
By understanding these nuances, you can better support your staff during this important life event while ensuring your organisation remains compliant with local regulations.
