Menopause, Fertility and Pregnancy Loss policies launched
We are proud to announce that we have enhanced our range of benefits to offer additional support to our colleagues.
As part of our focus on Our Health & Wellbeing and Inclusion & Diversity strategies, we have launched our Menopause, Fertility and Pregnancy Loss policies.
Launching today in the UK, we plan to adopt a more consistent approach across the Group.
Not only will the policies offer practical and financial support; we hope they will encourage an open and supportive culture of conversation around the subjects.
We will be providing people managers with training to back-up the new policies and so they can signpost colleagues to the support, resources and organisations that are available.
More information and guidance is also available through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provided by Health Assured, which can be accessed through their confidential 24-hour helpline.
Gemma Hartley, HR Business Partner for Princes, said: “Our culture is changing and we are working hard to create an environment where people can open up and trust that we are there to support them, both at work and in their personal lives, in every way we can.
“As part of the company’s People Excellence Strategy, we have recognised the need to offer specific Menopause, Fertility and Pregnancy Loss policies and have enhanced the benefits we offer.
“Celebrities such as Davina McCall, Gabby Logan and Mariella Frostrup have all shared their menopause experiences in recent years and helped to make the topic a mainstream subject. Later this week, broadcaster and journalist Louise Minchin will take part in a live Q&A on menopause awareness exclusively for Princes colleagues.
“Going forward, we will be running support groups across our UK sites (more information will be on Pathways, our online Learning & Development platform) workshops to train our managers while reviewing our uniforms with the aim to include lighter and more breathable fabrics. We will also be offering all UK and BV colleagues free access to Stella, a menopause app for on-demand personalised symptom relief.
“According to research, miscarriage happens in 10-20% of known pregnancies. In our new policy we offer additional support for women – and their partners – who are going through this extremely distressing experience.
“Princes is also committed to supporting colleagues undergoing fertility treatment. We understand it can be emotionally stressful and colleagues need support, especially if a cycle of treatment is not successful.
“At a very practical but we hope useful level, our new UK policy gives colleagues additional paid leave when they undergo fertility treatment. In addition, any colleague whose partner is undergoing fertility treatment is also now eligible for paid leave to support them.
“These new policies are important steps for Princes. As an employer, it is vitally important that we make it easy for everyone to access information, advice and practical support at every stage in life.”
