We understand that the word “family” can reflect many realities. Whether a member* is responsible for the primary care of a dependent family member, grieving the loss of a loved one, or supervising their child’s homeschooling, CGI provides access to resources that help them balance their work and family needs.
Caring for others is a challenging responsibility that can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety. We encourage our members to be transparent about the challenges that accompany the different stages of their lives so that we can offer valuable support. Our goal is to facilitate the balance of work and care responsibilities.
Support policies and programs
We support members with policies and programs across the globe. Here are a few examples:
In France, our Future and Young Parent Policy ensures our human resources (HR) processes prevent and eliminate discriminatory practices against parents. While the policy upholds the Labor Code, CGI goes beyond the legal requirement by offering adjusted working hours for members who are pregnant or whose child experiences serious illness or hospitalization.
In Belgium, we partner with Tempo Team to provide up to 12 days per year of professional child care —paid by CGI—for members who have children between the ages of 3 months and 12 years.
In the U.S., we provide access to Back-up Care Options, a program that provides members with 60 hours per year of temporary or short-term care for loved ones of any age when regular caregiving arrangements fall through. For members who are navigating the adoption process, we reimburse up to $3,000 per adoption for expenses such as agency and placement fees, travel expenses associated with adoption, court costs and legal fees. Rethink Benefits is available to members caring for a child with learning, social, or behavioral challenges or developmental disabilities, giving families free 24/7 access to tools and resources to help them communicate better with their child.
Support networks
CGI member resource groups also provide important connections for our members and offer meaningful support, for example:
In the U.S., the Working Caregivers Member Resource Group provides support, offers strategies for balancing work and family needs, and promotes resources to practice self- and family-care. Group discussion and webinars help with managing grief or proactively preparing for a caregiving crisis at work.
In the U.K., the Parental Network is a member-led support resource for members on their parental journey: while pregnant; on maternity, adoption, or shared parental (MASP) leave; and following their return to work. Pregnant members are matched with a support mentor, so they can share ideas and information. Working with the CGI Management Team and HR, the Parental Network is building a supportive environment for returning parents to help them integrate back into work while juggling the extra responsibilities and demands of family life. This includes receiving IT support if any issues arise before returning to work, and offering additional leave days.
The U.K.’s Bereavement Support Network provides resources and counseling for members who have suffered bereavement, offering both emotional support and practical advice. They have created a supportive environment where members can share their experiences in confidence. This could mean sharing available mechanisms for help, from CGI’s Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA), Workplace Adjustment Programme and the Member Assistance Programme (MAP). They also offer sessions for managers on how to support members during times of bereavement and beyond.
The Career Relaunch (CaRe) program in India aims at providing support for female members who aspire to return to work after a career break.
Recognition
In 2022, CGI in Sweden was named the most parent-friendly workplace of the year by Unionen. CGI was recognized for dedication to enabling career development during parental leave, for providing networks for parental leave, and for raising the profile of female role models in a male-dominated industry.
