Diageo champions inclusion with improved medical policy

Leading spirits producer Diageo has rolled out an enhanced wellness policy that will extend medical and leave benefits to its employees in India, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Diageo produces brands such as Johnnie Walker and Black & White

The enhanced policy will come into force this month for its workers in India as part of Diageo’s commitment to promoting an inclusive and diverse working environment. The move will provide equal medical and leave benefits to same-sex and cohabitant partners, including those who identify as LGBT+.

In addition, Diageo will revise the meaning of ‘family’ to include same-sex and ‘live in’ partners.

As part of the policy, medical coverage and leave benefits will be extended to both same-sex and opposite-sex domestic partners. The medical offering will cover sex reassignment procedures. Surrogacy and fertility treatment medical benefits will also be made available for all workers.

Anand Kripalu, managing director and CEO of Diageo India, said: “At Diageo, championing inclusion and diversity is central to our purpose of celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

“Our strength lies in our diversity, with each person bringing their distinct experience, talent and culture, that is integral to our business success. Through the enhanced policy we are committed to providing a workplace that is equal and provides dignity and respect to all, and is reflective of our values and who we are.”

The enhanced medical policy is among Diageo’s latest efforts to boost equality across the industry. Last month, the group pledged US$20 million to help black communities and businesses in the US that have been impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Last year, Diageo unveiled a global parental leave policy, offering several regional businesses a minimum of 26 weeks paid in full to both parents.