Diageo provides pregnancy loss and bereavement support

As part of its commitment to workplace inclusion, prime employer Diageo launches Pregnancy Loss Guidelines for employees.

After an initial launch in the UK and Ireland, the guidelines are being rolled out globally across 34 markets - including India, Nigeria and Southern Europe with more markets to follow later in the year. The guidelines are inclusive of paid leave and apply to any employee who experiences this, regardless of gender, sexual orientation and length of service.

Supporting employees during a vulnerable time

Through the launch of the guidelines, Diageo hopes to raise awareness and understanding of an area which is often poorly understood due to the silence surrounding it. The guidelines have been created to raise awareness on the various types of pregnancy loss, including the resources that are made available by Diageo to employees, and Line Managers.

"I’m pleased Diageo are introducing Pregnancy Loss Guidelines so employees feel supported during such a vulnerable time. Having experienced ectopic pregnancy, I had no knowledge of the short- and long-term effects both physically and emotionally, and would have benefited from having guidance to hand as it was a time where very little made sense," says one Diageo employee.

Sitting alongside further Diageo guidelines

Globally, one in ten women experience a miscarriage in their lifetime. This highlights the importance and relevance of this topic as it is likely many people know someone who has experienced this. The Pregnancy Loss Guidelines were created alongside Diageo’s Spirited Women’s Network resource group and sit alongside a suite of support and guidance for Diageo's people that include guidelines focused on Gender Identity & Gender Expression, Menopause and Domestic & Family Abuse Guidelines.

Supporting employees during bereavement

Diageo wants to foster an environment that is supportive to any employee, and the company is committed to providing provision with compassion, sensitivity and flexibility during difficult times.

Therefore, Diageo is also increasing access to bereavement leave. In doing so, the company aims to provide a starting point for all employees that experience the loss of a loved one and appreciate that grief is an individual experience.

Diageo employees who experience the loss of a child, spouse, partner or parent may have access to up to ten working days of discretionary paid bereavement leave, with employees also having access to up to five days for the loss of another family member, and a day for a close friend or non-family member.

By introducing these guidelines and enhancing the access to leave available under Diageo's Family Leave and Bereavement Leave policies, Diageo wants to provide employees with greater context, understanding and knowledge to compassionately navigate sensitive circumstances.