Big estate agency chain to help staff start families
LRG staff will be allowed to take both paid and unpaid time off to attend fertility appointments as the Group continues to implement inclusive policies.
Leaders Romans Group (LRG) is offering staff a new benefit which supports employees undergoing fertility treatment.
The benefit allows staff time off (unpaid for those with under three years’ service; paid for those with more) to attend fertility appointments.
TREATMENT
For IVF treatment, LRG allows 10 days for the person going through the treatment and five days for the partner or co-parent. And support for those undertaking egg and embryo freezing, sperm freezing and surrogate is also available.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HEFA) reports that increasing numbers are undergoing these procedures.
In the period 2019-2021, egg-freezing and storage increased by 64% and IVF and donor-insemination cycles by 10%.
The number of IVF patients in female same-sex relationships increased by 33% rise and single parents undergoing fertility treatment rose by 44%.
Globally, according to the European IVF Monitoring Consortium, IVF accounts for the conception of over 5% of all newborns in some European countries.
CHALLENGING
LRG HR Director Hannah Cooper says: “We recognise that everyone’s journey to starting a family is different and that undergoing fertility treatment can be challenging, both mentally and physically.
“We are committed to being an inclusive organisation. Implementing family-friendly policies that support our teams and promote a positive work-life balance helps to achieve that.
“The Fertility Journey policy aims to assist in creating an open and honest workplace and supports both parents. We are delighted to offer this benefit above and beyond any statutory requirement, to support a sense of belonging within LRG.”
The decision to introduce the policy was made after feedback from LRG’s Employee Voice Group, which exists to engage with employees on an ongoing basis to gain insights and suggestions to meet the diverse needs of the workforce.
Brands which make up Leaders Romans Group include Bode Insurance Solutions, Boyer, Dunlop Heywood,Gibbs Gillespie, Glide, Hose Rhodes Dickson, Leaders, Moginie James, Mortgage Scout, Portico , Romans, Scott Fraser, SOWN and Three Sixty Space and The Acorn Group, which includes Langford Russell, John Payne, Unique Homes, Start Financial Services and MAP Chartered Surveyors.
As a grandfather who has personally witnessed the positive impact of fertility treatments within my own family, including the joy of welcoming an additional grandson in 2019, I cannot praise LRG enough for the support you are now providing to your employees.
Your decision to go above and beyond statutory requirements to support employees during such a personal and significant journey speaks volumes about the values and ethos of Leaders Romans Group.
I am confident that your commitment to creating an open and supportive workplace will have a lasting and positive impact.
Wishing you continued success and appreciation for your exemplary efforts.