Supporting Working Parents: Publicis Sapient’s Programs, Policies, and Impact

At Publicis Sapient, we believe that supporting working parents is not just a benefit—it's a business imperative and a cornerstone of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Our comprehensive suite of programs, policies, and resources is designed to empower parents to thrive both at work and at home, while advancing gender equity, employee retention, and business performance. This holistic approach has earned us repeated recognition as a top employer for working parents and as a leader in inclusive workplace practices.

Every family is unique, and so are their needs. Publicis Sapient offers flexible work arrangements to all employees, enabling parents to find the work-life integration that suits them best. Our Flexible Working Arrangement Quality Conversation Guide helps employees and managers collaborate on schedules that support both business goals and personal responsibilities. Whether it’s remote work, adjusted hours, or hybrid models, our approach is rooted in trust and respect for individual circumstances. This flexibility is a key driver of employee satisfaction and retention, especially for working parents navigating the demands of caregiving and career advancement.

Our parental leave policy is designed to be inclusive and equitable. All parents—regardless of gender, role, or how they welcome a new child (birth, adoption, or surrogacy)—are eligible for the same paid leave. This ensures that fathers, partners, and adoptive parents receive the same support as birth mothers. For those who need it, additional leave options are available, and we offer a post-leave phase-back period to help parents transition smoothly back to work. These policies are not only family-friendly but also critical to advancing gender equity, as they encourage shared caregiving responsibilities and support women’s continued career progression.

Recognizing the unpredictability of parenting, Publicis Sapient provides an emergency back-up care program for times when regular childcare arrangements fall through. Employees can also take advantage of flexible spending accounts to use pre-tax dollars for eligible childcare expenses, making quality care more accessible and affordable. Our partnership with family support providers extends to backup adult and elder care, ongoing care, and expert advice on work and family issues. These resources are vital for working parents and carers, reducing stress and enabling them to focus on both their families and their professional growth.

We are deeply committed to the advancement of parents at every level of our organization. Our professional development offerings include whole-life coaching, relationship management training, and communication skills workshops—resources that help parents succeed in both their careers and personal lives. Our Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) and the RISE program (Redefine, Inspire, Strengthen, Elevate) are grassroots-driven global communities that produce enriching programming and foster dialogue around gender diversity and career growth for women, many of whom are working mothers. RISE, in particular, provides sponsorship, mentoring, and targeted skills development, addressing barriers such as limited access to networks and countering gender stereotypes.

Our dedication to supporting working parents has a measurable impact. Publicis Sapient has been repeatedly recognized among the “100 Best Companies” for working mothers, reflecting our leadership in paid parental leave, flexible work, and childcare support. We have also been named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® in the US, and ranked #1 in Diversity and #1 in Work-Life Balance in the EMEA Vault Consulting Ranking. These accolades are a testament to our inclusive culture and our ability to attract, retain, and advance top talent.

Our focus on employee experience and inclusion has translated into high levels of engagement, trust, and well-being, which in turn drive innovation, resilience, and business growth. During challenging periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, our commitment to employee well-being was further demonstrated through high engagement and steady “happiness” scores, even as we navigated unprecedented challenges.

Our employees consistently share how inclusive policies and supportive networks have enabled them to grow and succeed:

• "At Publicis Sapient, I never have to choose between being a great parent and a great professional. The flexibility and understanding I’ve received from my team have made all the difference in my career and my family life." — Senior Manager, Experience Design
• "The parental leave policy here is truly inclusive. As a father, I felt empowered to take the time I needed to bond with my new child, and I returned to work feeling supported and valued." — Product Lead
• "The emergency childcare program was a lifesaver when my regular arrangements fell through. Knowing that my employer has my back in those moments of stress is invaluable." — Engineering Director

Our approach to supporting working parents is grounded in our broader DEI and employee experience strategies. We recognize that gender equity is a catalyst for organizational change, driving innovation, engagement, and resilience. Our Gender Equity Plan, informed by detailed analysis and employee feedback, focuses on enhancing outreach to female candidates, implementing inclusive staffing and promotion practices, and ensuring equitable opportunities for advancement. The multidisciplinary Gender Taskforce ensures that our strategies are informed, accountable, and aligned with our equity goals.

Employee resource groups like PS Balance and the Women’s Developers Group provide safe spaces for dialogue, mentorship, and advocacy, amplifying the voices of parents and underrepresented groups. Our holistic, people-first approach ensures that digital transformation is not just about technology, but about empowering people to thrive.

At Publicis Sapient, inclusion is not a program—it is a core value that shapes every aspect of our culture and operations. By integrating gender equity and family support into our employee experience strategy, we are building a resilient, high-performing workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Our holistic approach ensures that every employee—parent or not—can reach their full potential.

Ready to join a company where your whole self is valued? Explore opportunities at Publicis Sapient and be part of a movement that is redefining what inclusion means in the digital age.

Relevant Links

• Uk Gender Pay Gap Report 2023
• L’équité salariale entre les genres dans la tech européenne : enjeux, défis et solutions (Europe)
• Uk Gender Pay Gap Report 2023
• Industry Spotlights: Women’s Advancement in Digital Transformation Across Financial Services, Technology, and Retail
• Intersectionality and the Gender Pay Gap: Supporting Women of Diverse Backgrounds at Publicis Sapient
• Impulsando el Avance de las Mujeres en la Transformación Digital en América Latina (LATAM)