Chamonix IT Management’s to scrap paid parental leave, long service bonus for staff

Staff of an Australian IT company have been blindsided by its local management team who told them they will scrap paid parental leave and a generous gift for loyal workers.

A lack of paid parental leave can take the shine off what should be a happy time. Photos: Josh Woning

Staff at a national IT company – once recognised as the Best Workplace in Technology – are reeling after being told by management they will dump paid parental leave and its generous 10-year anniversary bonus.

In an email to staff, obtained by News Corp, Chamonix IT Management Consulting said it had made the “difficult decision to adjust some of our benefits”.

The email told staff paid parental would be phased out by July 1, 2025, and that those already past the first trimester should “discuss your options” with managers.

As well as the blow to prospective parents, a longstanding $10,000, 10-year anniversary gift will also be dumped.

“We know these changes may feel unexpected, and we want you to know this decision wasn’t made lightly. It reflects our focus on directing resources where they can have the greatest impact for all of us moving forward,” the company said

“While we’re saying goodbye to these benefits, we’re excited to continue prioritising what matters most: your growth, well- being, and success.”

The move comes after Chamonix IT was recognised as a Best Workplace in Technology Australia 2025 by Great Place to Work.

On its website the company said: “This prestigious recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to building an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing culture where our people can thrive. It’s a testament to the passion, innovation, and collaboration that our team brings to everything we do.”

Chamonix IT managing director Scott Grigg with co-founder Geoff Rohrsheim.

Chamonix IT – which is headquartered in Adelaide and has offices in Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra – was taken over last year by global tech company Synechron along with data analytics and AI consulting firm Expose.

Chamonix IT managing director Scott Grigg did not return phones calls.

But late on Thursday a Chamonix IT spokesman said the decision to phase out paid parental scheme and long-service bonus was made the Australian-based company as part of a review of our resourcing and operating costs.

“This difficult decision was made by Chamonix IT’s leadership, rather than by our US-based owners,” a spokesman said.

“While the company’s own parental leave scheme is being phased out, our employees will continue to be supported to take parental leave through the Australian Government’s Parental Leave Pay scheme.

“We recognise the impact this decision is having on employees and will ensure they are supported during the changes to our employee entitlements.”

Chamonix IT was established in Adelaide in 2010 and has about 150 staff across Australia.

Synechron was founded in 2001 in Pune, India, and operates as a digital consulting and technology solutions provider for enterprises. It is now headquartered in New York and has a global workforce of more than 14,500, and 55 offices in 20 countries.

Originally published as Chamonix IT Management’s to scrap paid parental leave, long service bonus for staff