Maternity Policy: Supporting a Healthy Work-Life Balance for New Mothers

13Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear

sustainablility and stewardship

Based on a diagnostic review, Walailak University determined that the WU policies on maternity and paternity leave should be revised. In 2025, the university updated and developed its maternity and paternity leave policies to promote a supportive, family-friendly working environment for staff members welcoming new children into their families.

These updates reflect the University’s firm commitment to upholding human rights, advancing gender equality, and fostering the well-being of staff, their families, and the next generation.

Maternity Leave Policy

Walailak University recognizes the importance of maternity protection in safeguarding the health and livelihood of mothers and newborns. The updated maternity leave policy ensures that all eligible employees can balance their professional responsibilities with personal and family needs.

The key provisions of the policy are as follows:

1. Eligibility and Entitlement:
  All staff and temporary employees are entitled to a maximum of 98 days of paid maternity leave, which may be taken before and after childbirth, as appropriate to the individual’s needs.
2. Adjustment of Maternity Leave:
  Employees on maternity leave who have not yet delivered as scheduled may request to cancel the remainder of their maternity leave, subject to approval from their immediate supervisor. Any leave days already taken shall be counted as personal leave.
3. Extended Leave for Childcare:
  After the completion of maternity leave, employees may apply for up to 150 additional working days of unpaid personal leave to care for their child. The application must be submitted to and approved by their supervisor.
4. Application Process:
  Requests for maternity leave or extension of unpaid personal leave must be formally submitted for approval in accordance with university procedures.

Prior to this revision, Walailak University granted a maximum of 60 days of paid maternity leave. The 2025 revision reflects a progressive step towards supporting gender equality, the rights of women in the workplace, and the protection of child and maternal health in line with international standards.

Paternity Leave Policy

The University also values the role of fathers in supporting their families during the critical postnatal period. In 2025, Walailak University revised its paternity leave policy to enhance clarity and fairness while ensuring alignment with the updated maternity policy.

The key provisions of the policy are as follows:

1. Eligibility and Application:
  Staff and temporary employees wishing to take leave to assist their legally married spouse following childbirth must submit a leave application to their immediate supervisor for approval.
2. Leave Period:
  The application must be submitted before or on the day of taking leave and must be within 98 days from the date of childbirth.
3. Entitlement:
  Eligible employees are entitled to a maximum of 15 consecutive working days of paternity leave with full salary maintained throughout the leave period.
4. Approval Authority:
  The authority to grant paternity leave rests with the President or an individual officially designated by the President.
5. Supporting Documentation:
  Applications must be accompanied by relevant documents, such as a marriage certificate and the child’s birth certificate, to facilitate the leave approval process.

These policy revisions underscore Walailak University’s commitment to advancing gender equality in the workplace and supporting the rights of employees to care for their families without jeopardizing their professional standing. By extending maternity leave, formalizing paternity leave, and offering additional unpaid leave for child-rearing, the University actively contributes to creating a supportive, inclusive, and human-rights-respecting work environment. To see the full policy on maternity leave and paternity leave, click