5.6.9
Paternity and Parental Leave Policy
The University of Thessaly (UTh) is committed to promoting equality, inclusivity, and family welfare for all members of its community. Recognizing the shared responsibilities of parenting and caregiving, the University ensures equal access to paternity and parental leave for all eligible academic, research, and administrative staff, as well as students where applicable.
This policy provides the framework for supporting fathers, non-birthing parents, and legal guardians in balancing professional or academic responsibilities with family life, in full compliance with Greek Law 4808/2021, Law 3896/2010, and Directive (EU) 2019/1158.
Purpose and Strategic Framework
This policy aims to:
Guarantee the right to paternity and parental leave for all eligible members of the University community.
Promote gender equality by supporting shared parental responsibilities and preventing discrimination based on parental status.
Facilitate work–life balance and family well-being.
Comply with national and EU legal frameworks governing parental leave and equality in employment.
Scope
This policy applies to:
All academic and administrative staff, researchers, and contract employees of the University.
Students who become parents during their studies, subject to academic accommodations.
All forms of legal parenthood, including biological, adoptive, and foster parents.
Legal Framework
This policy is grounded in:
Law 4808/2021 (Article 28) — granting 14 days of paid paternity leave and equal rights to parental leave for both parents.
Law 3896/2010 (Articles 22–23) — ensuring protection from discrimination based on family status.
Directive (EU) 2019/1158 — on work–life balance for parents and carers.
Key Provisions
- Paternity Leave
Fathers or non-birthing partners are entitled to 14 consecutive days of fully paid leave, to be taken around the time of birth or adoption.
Leave is available to both permanent and fixed-term staff, regardless of length of service.
During paternity leave, employees retain all employment rights, including pay, benefits, and seniority.
- Parental Leave
Each parent, regardless of gender, is entitled to at least four (4) months of parental leave to care for a child up to the age of eight (8).
Two (2) months of this leave are paid in accordance with national legislation.
Parental leave can be taken continuously or in parts, with approval from the relevant supervisor or department head.
Academic staff and students are encouraged to plan leave periods to minimize disruption to teaching or studies.
- Leave for Adoption or Foster Care
Adoptive and foster parents are entitled to the same paternity and parental leave rights as biological parents, starting from the official date of adoption or placement.
- Protection Against Discrimination
No staff member or student shall face discrimination, dismissal, or negative evaluation due to taking paternity or parental leave.
Supervisors must ensure equitable workload distribution and prevent indirect bias against leave-takers.
- Flexible Work and Study Arrangements
Upon return, employees and students may request:
Reduced or flexible working hours,
Remote or hybrid work,
Adjusted academic timelines (for students).
Such accommodations are to be granted where operationally feasible, without affecting promotion, grading, or other rights.
- Support and Guidance
The Administrative Office and the Student Welfare Office will provide information on eligibility, application processes, and available support.
Governance and Oversight
The Rector is responsible for ensuring implementation.
The Administrative Office manages all staff-related procedures, while the Student Welfare Office handles student cases.
Annual reports on parental leave uptake, gender balance, and satisfaction will be presented to the University Senate.
Review
This policy shall be reviewed biennially to ensure alignment with legislative developments and best practices in gender equality and family support.
The University of Thessaly reaffirms its dedication to supporting all parents, promoting equality, and creating a university environment that values both professional excellence and family life.