Kellogg's Ireland Introduces New Measures For Menopause, Pregnancy Loss And Fertility Treatment

Kellogg's Ireland has introduced new measures to help support staff members going through menopause, baby loss and fertility treatments.

The cereal giant, which employs 300 members of staff in its Dublin office, has committed to training managers on the menopause, in a bid to deepen understanding, as well as supporting staff impacted by pregnancy loss and fertility treatments.

Alamy)

This includes extra paid time off, without the need for a doctor's note, including for partners and those using a surrogate mother.

Managers will also be trained to recognise the need for time off for appointments related to pregnancy loss - and the need for flexibility.

The policy package also includes support for those going through fertility treatment (for themselves or a partner) and Kellogg's will give employees three periods of leave each year as well as access to a private area to administer treatment if needed. The measures will be regardless of length of service.

Flexible working and a free counselling helpline is also available to all Kellogg’s staff.

Kellogg's)

Sam Thomas-Berry, Kellogg Europe VP, human resources said: “We want to offer employees increased support for those often-taboo issues like the menopause, fertility and pregnancy loss.

"Many people experience these issues, and the impact can be both physical and mental, but they aren’t discussed widely in the workplace.

"That’s why we’re launching several new workplace policies for even better equity and inclusion at Kellogg’s. We want to create a culture where people feel psychologically safe so we’ll encourage colleagues to be allies to others impacted by these issues.”

Shutterstock)

Kellogg's is following in the footsteps of a number of companies who have recently introduced similar measures in the workplace.

Earlier this year, LADbible Group became one of the first UK companies to introduce both pregnancy loss leave and fertility leave, as part of a wide range of new benefits for employees.

The initiative, dubbed 'LADfamily', is a series of family friendly policies, to support employees who are thinking of - or already have - started a family.

Meanwhile, online bank Monzo has introduced a similar pregnancy loss leave. While Channel 4 has recently implemented a paid leave policy for employees who have suffered a loss.

This is certainly a step in the right direction!

Topics: News

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot.

@lucedevine