Industry first: Gallagher Bassett Australia introduces paid reproductive health leave
Gallagher Bassett Australia, a prominent player in claims and risk management services, has made headlines with its groundbreaking new policy offering paid leave for reproductive health—a first in the insurance and financial services industry.
The new policy provides employees with up to 10 days of paid leave per year to address reproductive health needs, including IVF treatments, chronic conditions like endometriosis, and preventative screenings for cancers such as breast and prostate.
According to Pete Nicholson, Chief Executive Officer of Gallagher Bassett Australia, the introduction of paid reproductive leave marks a significant step forward in employee wellness. "We recognise that reproductive health and well-being is an important and often overlooked aspect of employee wellness. We want to support our people through their reproductive journey, whatever that may look like for them," Nicholson stated. He further emphasised that the policy is a "game-changer" for the industry, setting a new benchmark for employer support.
Tanith Jones, General Manager – People & Culture, elaborated on the development of the policy, noting that it was designed to complement other recent changes in leave entitlements. "We listened to the feedback and experiences of our employees, as well as the latest research and best practices on reproductive health and well-being.
In addition to reproductive leave, we have also increased our paid primary caregiver leave to 16 weeks and secondary caregiver leave to two weeks," Jones explained. This expansion of benefits underscores Gallagher Bassett's dedication to enhancing support for its workforce, reflecting a broader trend towards more comprehensive employee care.
Gallagher Bassett Australia, with a workforce of over 1,600 employees across the country, is renowned for providing claims and risk management services to general insurance and personal injury schemes. The company’s new policy is poised to influence other organizations in the industry, potentially setting a precedent for how businesses address reproductive health and support employees through challenging personal circumstances.
The introduction of paid reproductive leave aligns with a growing recognition of the need for workplaces to support diverse employee needs beyond traditional benefits. By addressing reproductive health, Gallagher Bassett is not only improving the well-being of its employees but also enhancing its own reputation as a forward-thinking employer. The policy is expected to contribute positively to employee satisfaction and retention, as well as inspire other companies to consider similar initiatives.
As Gallagher Bassett Australia leads the charge with this industry-first policy, the move is likely to spark broader discussions about reproductive health support in the workplace and encourage other companies to follow suit. The company’s commitment to employee well-being serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that thoughtful, inclusive policies can have on both individual lives and organizational culture.