Currys has unveiled five new measures to support diversity and inclusion in the workplace, including policies around gender reassignment, fertility, pregnancy loss, premature births and menopause.
Announcing the provisions today (26 June), the technology and electricals retailer explained its aim is to “help everyone feel that they belong”.
The company is now offering six weeks of additional paid leave for those going through gender reassignment, which can be taken flexible for appointments, as well as for surgery and recovery.
Paid leave is also being provided to employees who are, or whose partners are, undergoing IVF or fertility treatment. They will be able to attend six treatment-related appointments per transfer cycle.
In cases of pregnancy loss, staff affected can take two weeks of paid leave.
Premature birth leave is now available to employees, with maternity leave extended by the number of days a baby was born prior to their due date if before the thirty-seventh week of pregnancy. Partner employees will also be entitled to two weeks of compassionate leave.
Currys is additionally launching new menopause support to boost awareness and understanding within the workforce and remove stigma. Information and advice on practice support will also be provided.
Paula Coughlan, chief communications, sustainability and people officer at Currys, said: “We want to ensure that colleagues feel supported in times of need, and we are working hard to create a culture where everyone feels they belong.
“When you’re going through a challenging time, either personally or as a family, this support can help ease worries around potential loss of income or job security. This is part and parcel of our ongoing commitment to wellbeing and our objective to have highly engaged colleagues and teams. We are committed to being a great place to work, creating a safe and inclusive space where people feel they belong and I am incredibly proud of the work we are doing.”
Currys’ staff also have access to a range of support through its wellbeing channels, including its employee assistance programme, Champion Health App, Wellbeing Corner, and its mental health champions and first aiders.
