ASOS launches worker-friendly policies for health-linked life events

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Oct 7, 2021

ASOS has launched of a new package of wide-ranging policies for its staff. It aims to provide “crucial support to colleagues of all genders and circumstances going through health-related life events”.

The new support policies, which come into effect immediately, cover: pregnancy loss; fertility treatment; the menopause; and “wider health related life events that require paid leave”, such as cancer treatment or gender reassignment surgery.

It's another sign of companies working hard to boost their ethical credentials as they take in a wide range of policies from sustainability to mental health awareness. Aside from a natural desire to have a supported and engaged workforce, being seen to ‘do the right thing’ is particularly important for listed companies as more and more institutional investors are now choosing where to place their money based on an ethical agenda.

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“This new policy framework will enable ASOSers to take the time away from work that they need, while also increasing awareness of the impact of such common life events, and breaking down the taboos around these issues and taking time off when it is needed”, the online retail giant said Thursday.

“The policies are gender neutral, and apply to everyone regardless of who they are or their circumstances”, it added.

CEO Nick Beighton also said: “All of us face unexpected challenges in life, and sometimes these can create very difficult circumstances which mean we need to step away from or change how we work. We’ve launched these new policies to reassure all ASOSers that they will continue to be supported, personally and financially, throughout those difficult times. We’re here, no matter what it is and every step of the way.” 

Earlier this week, ASOS also announced its ethnicity pay gap data for the first time, showing median pay for ethnic minority employees is now 5.9% higher compared to their white counterparts, a 21.2% improvement in the overall median ethnicity pay gap since 2020.