ASOS’s Rethink of Paid Medical Leave

An announcement made on Thursday 21st October 2021 by the global fashion retailer, ASOS has completely reshaped their policy regarding medical leave for a selection of physical health impacts – and the affiliated mental health effects.

These policies relate to: pregnancy loss, fertility treatment, the menopause, and wider long-term health treatment which require leave – including but not limited to gender reassignment and cancer treatment.

Part of this announcement offers cisgender women and any other people going through the menopause the opportunity to take short-notice paid leave and increases the availability of more flexible working conditions.

A study by Forth including a survey of 1000 women over 45 showed that 63% of menopausal women said their work-life was negatively affected due to their symptoms and only 6% of women said the menopause had no implications on their work-life. The symptoms with the highest prevalence are hot flushes, feeling tired or drowsy, low mood, low concentration and memory troubles.

Our incredible client Forth has female hormone mapping tests which can be used to help women confirm suspicions that they are going through the perimenopause. Read more about our work with Forth here.

Let alone paid time off, Forth’s survey found 90% of UK workplaces offered no support at all and ASOS will now entre only 3% of companies who have policies in place for supporting women going through the menopause. Another symptom of the menopause is the impact on mental health, with 34% of the women in this survey claiming that they have developed difficulties with anxiety and depression.

Another challenging time for mental health for both parents and any surrogate mothers is when a miscarriage occurs. ASOS’s new policy includes 10 days paid grievance leave for anyone who experiences a miscarriage. Additionally, any woman who has an abortion will also receive 10 days of paid leave. Furthermore, female employees of ASOS going through fertility treatment, as well as any partners supporting their other half, will receive 5 paid days leave per cycle to attend appointments.

Finally, CEO Nick Beighton, said anyone going through gender reassignment surgery or cancer treatment – as well as any other long term medical procedures, will receive up to 6 weeks additional paid leave per/annum, as a further part of this new policy.

What are your thoughts of this new ASOS policy? Leave a reply below.