Report finds paid maternity leave 'not important to executives'
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A survey has found very few executives believe paid maternity leave is the key to keeping women in the work force.
Only 7 per cent of those surveyed by the Australian Institute of Management cited paid maternity leave as the most important factor.
Fifty-eight per cent pointed to flexible working arrangements.
The Australian Institute of Management's Susan Heron says the findings should be reflected in the Productivity Commission's final maternity leave report when it is handed down in February.
"People think that paid maternity leave is a nice first step in a comprehensive strategy to retain women in the work force, but it's actually a part of a whole package and the package is about providing a more flexible workplace," she said.
"If that's what people are saying is the most important retention strategy then that's one that employers need to really listen to."
Ms Heron says the survey shows employers must be prepared to be more flexible to help mothers remain in work longer.
"Flexible working arrangements are the arrangements that employers and employees can make with each other in terms of hours worked, working from home, things like that," she said.
"I think taking into account the responsibilities that men and women both have to each other when it comes to raising a family."
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