Biopharmaceutical group Ferring Pharmaceuticals has introduced a global family building benefits package for its employees as part of a commitment to help them build families of all shapes and sizes.
According to the group, which employs 6,000 people worldwide, the holistic three-tier support model provides a 26-week global minimum standard of equal paid parental leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents, as well as increased awareness and support at work.
In order to provide equal opportunities for those wishing to become a parent, regardless of medical need, personal circumstances or family structure, the package aims to remove financial barriers and provide access to quality care by offering unlimited financial assistance within the scope of its providers’ services.
Ferring Pharmaceuticals has committed to provide financial support to access fertility treatments, surrogacy programmes, adoption, egg freezing, counselling and related services, while also allowing staff to take paid leave for fertility treatment and adoption procedures.
Ferring has partnered with fertility benefits provider Carrot to support its employees across the world, apart from in the US, where it works with Progyny. The group has also focused on support for employees’ emotional wellbeing, by offering four weeks of paid leave in the event of a miscarriage, and counselling services to all from the beginning of their fertility treatment.
Christelle Beneteau, chief human resources officer at Ferring Pharmaceuticals, said: “The new family building support package ensures a global standard for support irrespective of location role or family circumstances. It makes no assumptions about gender, sexual orientation or relationship status, or about parental roles or responsibilities in the early stages of childcare.
“As we strive to lead by example in becoming a fertility and family friendly employer, I’m immensely proud of this world-leading, comprehensive and inclusive package. We want to do everything we can to support staff in their own family building journeys, removing barriers and provide an environment in which they are empowered to focus on their families at this important time.”