As of 1 July, CERN is strengthening its support for parents welcoming a child through a longer maternity leave and the introduction of a paid parental leave available to all parents.

If your child was born on or after 1 January 2026, you may still benefit from these new provisions retroactively, provided that your contract was effective on the date of the child’s birth.

New paid parental leave

The former paternity/co-parent leave is replaced by a new Paid parental leave, an inclusive benefit available to all parents, including mothers, fathers and co-parents. Each parent is entitled to 20 working days of paid leave, which may be taken flexibly, including in half-days, during the 12 months following the birth of a child.

Once HR has approved your Change of Family and Personal Situation declaration, the absence type “paid parental leave” will become available to you in EDH.

What if you already taken paternity/co-parent leave in 2026?

If your child was born in 2026 and you have already benefited from the former paternity/co-parent leave, you are eligible for additional paid parental leave, up to a maximum of 20 days. The number of days available depends on the duration of paternity/co-parent leave already taken. You can see the number of days already taken at the bottom of your list of absences and register your paid parental leave directly in EDH.

Maternity Leave:

The standard duration of maternity leave is now extended to 20 weeks. The leave begins two weeks before the expected due date.

To ensure your maternity leave can begin on time, simply submit a medical certificate indicating the expected due date through the new TJA form. HR Leave will take care of the leave registration for you.

In addition to maternity leave, mothers are entitled to paid parental leave. The 20 working days of paid leave may be taken immediately after maternity leave as one continuous period or later, at any time within 12 months of the birth of your child. This leave may also be taken flexibly, including in half-days.

What if you have already taken maternity leave in 2026?

If you have already taken maternity leave in 2026, HR Leave will contact you directly.

You will be granted paid parental leave under the new provisions. The number of days available depends on the duration of maternity leave already taken:

Maternity Leave Taken	Paid Parental Leave Available
23 weeks	Up to 5 working days
20 weeks	Up to 20 working days

Contract extension following maternity leave

Doctoral students, graduates and staff members holding a limited-duration contract are entitled to a six-month contract extension following each maternity leave, for any child born on or after 1 January 2026.

As this extension is processed separately from the maternity leave request itself, please contact your HR Adviser or HR Coordinator to initiate the necessary administrative steps.

Need help or more information?

If you have any questions regarding these new provisions, your individual situation, eligibility criteria or the registration process, please contact HR Leave (HR.Leave@cern.ch or +41 22 766 89 26).

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

If you would like to discuss your situation or simply better understand the support available to you and your family, your HRA or HRC will be happy to help.