14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft’s division in Israel has worked out a new monthly grant for childcare that will be offered to its women workers starting with May 1, according to a report.
Globes writes that women employees will be allowed to gradually return to full-time work, with 50 percent of the working hours to be required in the first year and 80 percent during the second year.
Since men will not receive the grant even though they represent 90 percent of the local workforce, Microsoft is expected to come under fire, especially as the company struggles to deal with discrimination issues in the country.
“The small number of women who study technology is a major challenge in Israeli high tech, but the high drop-out rate from the profession adds another dimension to the problem. We believe that the monthly childcare benefit and gradual return to work will give women employees enough flexibility and encourage them to return to work after giving birth,” Microsoft Israel R&D center General Manager Yoram Yaacovi was quoted as saying.