Female-led startup triyyo offers new tool for parental leave

Australian startup triiyo is partnering with the Department of Regional NSW to offer a customised, online platform for employees on parental leave.

The new program begins in October 2022, with the goal of providing employees with an all-in-one tool where they can access information, communicate with their colleagues, be paired with a buddy on their team and stay on track in their career — all at their own pace.

Rebecca Grainger, founder of triiyo, said, “We specifically designed triiyo to exist outside of company HR systems, so employees can access a safe and confidential space that ensures people get support early on in what many employees fear are career-limiting life phases.”

Companies can upload their policies and procedures and create community channels where employees on leave can connect to share experiences and seek advice.

Employees also have access to a resource hub curated by experts to support them through every stage of every life event — from miscarriage and infertility, all the way through to balancing work with parenthood.

Donna Mcleod, Director Workforce Capability and Talent at Department of Regional NSW, said it’s important that teams feel supported and that having access to this type of platform will help all parents — regardless of gender. McLeod also stressed the importance of having transparent conversations about working hours, location and roles when parents are ready to return.

“So, it’s about talking to employees and asking, ‘How can we support you? What can we put in place?’ And being really adaptive,” Mcleod said.

All NSW public sector employees can now access up to 14 weeks of paid parental leave. The government stated that it anticipates this new policy will help families to better balance work and family life, support both parents to be involved in raising children and support women in their return to the workforce.