Henkel Strengthens Inclusive Workplace Culture Through Global Caregiver Leave Programme

Overall, the uptake of fully paid parental leave worldwide increased by 15 percent compared to 2024.

(IN BRIEF) Henkel has reported positive results from its global parental leave programme two years after launch. The initiative provides eight weeks of fully paid parental leave to all employees worldwide and is based on caregiver status rather than gender or biological parenthood. Global uptake of the programme increased by 15% compared with 2024, while the number of fathers taking parental leave rose by 35%. Henkel said the trend is especially significant in regions where parental leave for fathers has previously been uncommon. The programme has also received several awards, including the DEI Corporate Excellence Award 2026, the Gold German HR Excellence Award 2024 and the Silver Employee Experience Award 2026 Malaysia for caregiver support.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 16-Jul-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Henkel has reported strong results from its global parental leave programme two years after introducing the initiative, highlighting increased uptake worldwide and a significant rise in fathers taking parental leave.

The programme offers eight weeks of fully paid parental leave to all Henkel employees globally. Henkel said the initiative remains unique among DAX-listed companies and reflects its commitment to equity, inclusion and a modern company culture.

The benefit is based on the role of caregiver rather than gender or biological parent status. It is available to a broad range of parents, including adoptive, foster, surrogacy and LGBTQ+ parents.

Carsten Knobel, Chief Executive Officer of Henkel, said the company made a bold and groundbreaking decision when it introduced the global programme two years ago.

“I was – and still am – convinced that it was the right step for our employees, their families, and for fostering a culture that promotes equity,” said Knobel.

He added that the initiative strengthens Henkel’s attractiveness as an employer while supporting employee satisfaction and retention.

Sylvie Nicol, Executive Vice President Human Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainability at Henkel, said the programme was ambitious in terms of operations, culture and global implementation.

“I am very proud of the positive development and would like to thank all teams for their strong commitment,” said Nicol.

She added that the strong response shows how courage and consistency can drive meaningful change within the company and beyond.

Henkel said the programme has delivered a clear positive trend. Global uptake of fully paid parental leave increased by 15% compared with 2024.

The increase was even stronger among male employees, with the number of fathers using the benefit rising by 35%.

Henkel said this shift is particularly visible in regions where parental leave for fathers has historically been uncommon. In one country in the Middle East, for example, no fathers took parental leave in 2024, while last year the number had already risen to 84.

The programme has also received external recognition for its contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Henkel was awarded the DEI Corporate Excellence Award 2026 by the F.A.Z. Institute and the Gold German HR Excellence Award 2024 from the German trade media Personalwirtschaft.

The company also received the Silver Employee Experience Award 2026 Malaysia in the “Caregiver Support Programme” category.

Henkel said the awards recognise initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion and reflect its continuing work to build a more inclusive workplace environment.

Media Contacts:

Kathrin Brokmeier
Henkel
Corporate Media Relations
Headquarters,Düsseldorf/Germany
+49-211-797-8605
press@henkel.com

Hanna Philipps
Henkel
Corporate Media Relations
Headquarters, Düsseldorf/Germany
+49-211-797-3626
press@henkel.com

SOURCE: Henkel