Allianz Australia is pleased to introduce gender affirmation leave, to further support its commitment to LGBTI inclusion, and ongoing efforts in creating an inclusive culture and safe environment for all its people.
The new leave entitlement provides four weeks paid leave and up to 12 months unpaid leave for employees affirming their gender. This follows the recent launch of an overall Gender Affirmation Policy which details the support available to employees who are affirming their gender, their People Leaders, as well as colleagues and allies.
The introduction of gender affirmation leave is part of Allianz’s strategy of continually creating a more LGBTI inclusive workplace, and takes place during its Diversity and Inclusion Month which features a host of (virtual) events and digital resources. Also integral to driving a more LGBTI inclusive workplace is the Allianz Pride employee network, which raises awareness of LGBTI matters, and promotes mutual respect thereby helping to create an environment free from discrimination.
Commenting on the announcement, Allianz Australia, Managing Director, Richard Feledy said: “The introduction of our new leave entitlement is indicative of our continued focus on creating an environment and culture where everyone feels safe, and has a sense of belonging, in order to do their best work. I am very proud that Allianz has taken this important step. Yet, despite growing awareness of the struggles that transgender people face, I acknowledge there is more work to be done, and as an organisation we have an unwavering commitment to continually better our support for our people, who are at the heart of everything we do.”
Providing further commentary, Allianz Australia, Chief Customer Services Officer and Allianz Pride Executive Sponsor, Brendan Dunne said: “Everyone wants to feel a sense of belonging, safety and acceptance while at work. A major focus for our employee network, Allianz Pride, is on reviewing policies and procedures, and educating the rest of the company on the issues faced by the LGBTI community. This important work helps facilitate an open corporate culture which values the diversity of all employees.”
Allianz is proud to have achieved a number of milestones in 2020 that further foster an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and was proud to be awarded a ‘bronze’ status in the 2020 Australian Workplace Equality Index; and the Allianz Pride network grew from 511 members in 2019 to 579 members in 2020, an increase of 12 per cent.