The Swiss bank is giving fathers of newborns additional days off. The new «daddy leave» is part of a host of workplace perks meant to help attract and retain staff.

Every year, around 400 Credit Suisse bankers become fathers. From next year, they will receive 12 days of paid paternity leave, from five currently, the Swiss bank said on Tuesday.

Switzerland has just four months of maternity leave and no statutory leave for fathers of newborns; most companies simply offer at least one personal day. The move illustrates how banks are competing for talent by attempting to be more family-friendly.

Family «Care» Leave

The Zurich-based bank said the 12 days can be drawn consecutively, or combined with a reduction in working hours over a longer period. The bank said it is also expanding measures for employees to take care of illness within their family: staff can request to take up to ten days of so-called care leave if they are caregivers.

«Credit Suisse also places great emphasis on promoting the health and wellbeing of its staff,» the bank said. Staff will be able to buy five or ten additional vacation days every year. Employees with five years of seniority can draw loyalty awards such as vacation days, cash or shares in the bank.