ASOS announce the launch of new policies providing paid leave for employees of all genders experiencing life events such as pregnancy loss, menopause, fertility treatment and gender reassignment surgery.
Supporting colleagues time away to recover and recuperate, the online retailer is also providing up to six weeks of paid leave for wider life events including, cancer treatment, gender reassignment surgery and escaping domestic abuse.
Despite these topics not often being openly spoken about, the company believe they can have a significant impact on a person's wellbeing, including their ability to work. Nick Beighton, CEO at ASOS, said: "All of us face unexpected challenges in life, and sometimes these can create very difficult circumstances which mean we need to step away from or change how we work."
We’ve launched these new policies to reassure all ASOSers that they will continue to be supported, personally and financially, throughout those difficult times. We’re here, no matter what it is and every step of the way. Nick Beighton, ASOS CEO
The framework will allow the 3,800+ ASOS employees to take time off of work when they need, increasing the awareness of the impact of common life events and reducing any societal stigmas towards them.
Already operating in full effect, the gender-neutral policies include ten days of paid leave for individuals dealing with pregnancy loss, flexible working to support those going through menopause, additional leave for those undergoing fertility treatment and up to six weeks off for a wider range of life and health-related events.
The announcement was welcomed by many leading business industry figures, who praised the online fashion retailer for their employee inclusivity, which launched a week prior to World Menopause Day.
MP for Lanark & Hamilton East, Angela Crawley responded to the news and welcomed the step by saying: "It should be the right of any parent to seek paid leave when this tragic life event occurs."
The global online retailer is working to break down the taboos of these life events and the effect they may have on your work. The package of policies are not limited to a certain number of usages and can be applied to any staff member of the business.
Speaking to Andrea Berchowitz, co-founder of Vira Health, on the topic she said: "Many women are forced to make the tough decision to leave their jobs because of menopause, just as the majority reach their peak career seniority."
July 2021 saw Berchowitz's TED Talk on the link between gender inequity and menopause in the workplace, which now has over 1 million views: "This really demonstrates that people want to learn about menopause and how to improve workplaces."
It’s vital that more employers get on board with offering support for women’s health milestones, such as paid leave. Andrea Berchowitz, Co-Founder of Vira Health
However, the policy changes were also met with some apprehension, with one Twitter user describing those addressing menopause as a reminder of another "bodily function milestone waiting" for women.
Other Twitter users questioned whether the support was also available to staff members that manufacture the clothes on the site and another user said: "It's a shame it's taken this long."
This news follows ASOS' recent announcement of its ethnicity pay gap data for the first time. Data showed the median pay for ethnic minority employees is 5.9% higher compared to their white counterparts, with an evident 21.2% improvement in the overall ethnicity pay gap since last year.
Setting the standard for a more inclusive and diverse working environment, the ASOS 2030 Fashion with Integrity programme showcase the company's new diversity targets - alongside their responsibility goals aimed at minimising their impact on the planet and positive benefits for the people.
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