British food manufacturer Premier Foods has launched two initiatives including one with coaching at its heart to support employees (‘colleagues’) going through life-changing events.
The new Parental Network will support new parents or parents-to-be, offering employees and families three individual maternity coaching sessions and a ‘buddy scheme’ to help new parents transition back into work. Through the network, colleagues will be able to discuss their experiences and challenges with other colleagues confidentially and access online training and resources.
The other initiative will see Premier Foods provide training for its 4,000 staff on trans inclusivity and to help managers to better understand the menopause. Staff going through menopause, medical treatment relating to gender reassignment or fertility treatment will be able to take paid time off and leave won’t be capped.
David Wilkinson, group HR director, said: “As the workplace and our workforce constantly evolves, it’s important that our policies reflect these changes and help us support our colleagues through whatever they may be facing. Last year we launched a flexible working policy under the theme of ‘Modern Working’ and although they’re all different topics within their own right, the launch of our menopause and transgender policies, as well as our new parental network, all form part of a bigger picture, which is to champion modern ways of working.
“Together, they form part of our wider ambition to create an inclusive place of work, where life events don’t become barriers to people reaching their potential.”
Premier Foods has committed to reaching gender balance in its leadership team by 2030 and believes that this latest move is an important step towards reaching this goal.
Last year, Premier Foods introduced a hybrid working model for office-based colleagues which means they can work wherever they choose. More than 800 colleagues can now work where they feel most productive.