Supporting parenthood is important for our Organization, and we aim to make administrative steps as simple and supportive as possible when welcoming a child.

You can now extend your maternity leave by up to four additional weeks to facilitate breastfeeding simply by asking. A medical certificate is no longer needed.

These additional weeks are added to the maternity leave already provided under the Staff Rules and Regulations:

• 16 weeks for a first child
• 19 weeks from the second child onwards, and in the situations described in Article R II 4.23

To extend your leave, contact your group or departmental secretariat, who will register it in EDH on your behalf. If you have any questions or need further guidance on maternity leave, our HR Leave team is available.

Becoming a parent is an important moment in life. CERN offers a broader range of measures designed to support parenthood and provide flexibility, such as family-related benefits, parental leave, and easier access to part-time work.

If you would like to discuss your situation or explore what is available to you, you are very welcome to reach out to your HRA or HRC for support.

This change is part of a broader reflection on parental benefits supported by ongoing work and analysis by the Staff Association and Management.