Mustard Made announces new inclusive parental leave package
Colourful homewares brand champions support for all parents, regardless of labels
Colourful homewares brand Mustard Made has announced a new parental leave package as the small business looks to remove labels from traditional maternity and paternity leave, supporting all parents through a smooth transition into and out of parental leave.
The package represents a significant commitment for a small business, made without any government subsidy. At its heart is a choice to invest in the company’s people and culture. Mustard’s focus is to foster an inclusive, supportive environment that recognises and values the diverse needs of all parents.
Founders Jess and Becca, themselves working parents, have shaped the policy based on their own experiences, creating a structure that truly supports modern families. The package includes:
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Up to 16 weeks of full pay for the primary parent (depending on length of service), with additional options for statutory pay or unpaid leave to cover up to 52 weeks. A return-to-work bonus is paid every month for six months after their return.
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Up to 6 weeks of full pay for the secondary parent (depending on service length), plus an additional 4 weeks at full pay if they take shared parental leave – encouraging both parents to take an active caregiving role.
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Paid leave for pre-adoption, surrogacy, fostering, or fertility treatment, in addition to annual leave.
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Compassionate paid leave in the event of miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal loss.
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Flexible return-to-work options, including 10 paid Keeping in Touch (KIT) days (in both operating regions) and support in adjusting work schedules to meet family needs.
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Becca Stern commented: “As founders and working mums, we’ve experienced the challenges of balancing work and parenthood firsthand. This policy reflects our core values and our commitment to supporting our team through the highs and lows of life. We want every parent to feel they can thrive at Mustard without sacrificing their career or personal life.”
