The Human Resource Department of the Church announced on June 28 changes to LDS Church employee benefits — including paid maternity leave, paid parental leave, a employee wellness program and center, dress standard refinements and a short-term disability benefit.

“The Church continually strives to build the best work environment possible by aligning policies and benefits to help employees provide their very best work to building the Lord’s kingdom,” according to an article posted internally for Church employees.

As part of the dress standard changes, women may wear professional pantsuits or dress slacks, in addition to skirts and dresses; men may wear white or light-colored dress shirts with ties. “Employees are expected to dress modestly and in a conservative, professional, business-appropriate manner that is consistent with the customs and standards of the country in which they work,” according to the article.

The dress standard is based on the principle taught by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in an October 2005 general conference address titled “To Young Women,” according to the information posted for Church employees. “We have always been invited to present our best selves. … We should be recognizable in appearance as well as in behavior that we truly are disciples of Christ,” said Elder Holland.

The changes also include up to six weeks paid maternity leave, one week paid parental leave and a new short-term disability plan.

Finally, the Church is now “offering a global employee wellness program, focused in four key areas: efforts to understand employee health needs; wellness education; convenient access to exercise facilities and healthy food options; and incentives.”

Employee wellness program components include wearable fitness trackers, on-site exercise classes, healthy food options where available, education on personal finance and nutrition topics, wellness coaches, race reimbursements, wellness discounts and other incentives.

In addition, a wellness center — including cardio and weightlifting equipment — is being constructed in the Church Office Building. The facility will be open to all Church employees, free of charge, in the fall.

sarah@deseretnews.com @SJW_ChurchNews