KATHMANDU, June 26:  Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited (SCBNL) has announced the reopening of its crèche/daycare facility for children of employees, reinforcing its commitment to supporting working parents. The facility, located at the New Baneshwor corporate office building in Kathmandu, was inaugurated by Dr Neelam Dhungana Timsina, Acting Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, and Anirvan Ghosh Dastidar, CEO of SCBNL.

Originally launched in 2013, the crèche was temporarily closed due to the pandemic but has now reopened to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for professionals, particularly working mothers. This initiative aims to assist employees in saving time and reducing the stress of finding suitable care for children aged between 6 months and 3 years.

According to SCBNL, the bank will bear the cost of establishing and maintaining the crèche, along with the monthly expenses. This significant investment is  believed to showcase the bank's people-centric focus, enhancing the well-being and productivity of working parents.

According to SCBNL, it stands as one of the pioneering banks in the country to offer such a facility, aiming to eliminate the obstacles faced by working parents, especially women, and promote their career growth. Research highlights a decline in career ambitions for women in the 30-40 age bracket due to increasing family responsibilities.

Providing onsite daycare within the workplace brings numerous benefits, including improved employee morale, reduced absenteeism, and lower turnover rates. It also alleviates anxiety for parents, enabling them to focus better on their jobs.

Following the daycare's inauguration, Dr Neelam Dhungana Timsina engaged with the female staff of SCBNL, discussing the challenges faced by working women and emphasizing the support organizations can provide. She expressed, "Childcare support could be a great leap to motivate employees and empower women in the workforce."

Anirvan Ghosh Dastidar, CEO of SCBNL, reiterated the bank's commitment to employee well-being and mental health. Launching the daycare facility on the premises of the head office exemplifies their dedication to creating a positive work environment.  The bank believes that empowering women in the workplace is essential for its success as an equal employment opportunity provider.

The newly reopened daycare will operate on all working days, offering full-day support for children. It will prioritize creating a safe, progressive, and enjoyable environment, engaging children in various activities while encouraging independence, discipline, and meaningful interaction. The focus will be on fostering interpersonal connections through games and other interactive pursuits while limiting exposure to electronic gadgets.

 
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