Hachette updates and expands inclusive policies

Hachette Australia has announced the introduction of several new and updated inclusive policies, which it said ‘promote a safe and supportive environment for all employees; and recognises the critical role that Hachette Australia plays in ensuring equality for every individual’.

Among the new and updated policies are:

• A neurodiversity policy, a menopause policy, and pregnancy and baby loss guidelines, which Hachette said ‘provide Hachette Australia employees with an understanding of extra support available if required, as well as promote open dialogue, foster a sense of community, and provide a platform for education and understanding’
• An updated parental leave policy, which Hachette said includes ‘broader definitions within leave categories to better reflect a diverse workforce and offer additional benefits including IVF leave, birth support leave, and miscarriage leave’
• ‘Strengthened’ anti-discrimination and harassment, anti-bullying, and complaints and grievances policies, which Hachette said were updated ‘in response to the recent changes in Australian industrial relations law regarding harassment, discrimination, and victimisation’.

Hachette Australia CEO Louise Stark said of the changes: ‘People are our greatest asset, so it is vital that we have the infrastructure in place to enable every individual to thrive at work. The prevention and elimination of discrimination, bullying and any form of harassment is something everyone at Hachette takes very seriously. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive, supportive, and safe environment, where all individuals feel valued and respected for their whole identity.’

The updates follow the publication of the company’s Commitment to Professional Behaviour in Publishing document in May.

Earlier this year, Hardie Grant also expanded its policies, implementing a set of new paid benefits for staff, including menstrual and menopause leave, fertility treatment leave, gender transition leave, expansion of personal and carer’s leave and compassionate leave to reflect First Nations kinship rules and other caring relationships, and substitution of public holidays.

Category: Local news