DIY retailer Wickes has introduced a healthcare support programme for its 8,000 employees and their partners if they become parents.
The scheme, provided by Peppy, enables working parents to access confidential peronalised one-to-one support from an expert pre- and post-natal practitioner, specialist pre- and postnatal mental health support and video consultations with lactations and baby sleep consultants.
Staff can also access peer support through small group chats, virtual seminars and online exercise classes, designed to support pre and postnatal women.
These initiatives follow the three additional days paid holiday that were awarded to store staff earlier this month to recognise employees for their hard work during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
Sonia Astill, chief people officer at Wickes, said: "This new employee benefit is exciting; we are committed to creating a workplace that puts family high on the agenda as we know that becoming a parent is often a stressful and emotional experience. The wellbeing of our employees is our number one priority and our partnership with Peppy will help them feel more supported as they embark on one of life’s biggest adventures.
"In addition to this amazing service, we have updated our family leave policy, providing staff with better support for those big, important and often personal moments in our lives. We believe our most important assets are our people and I am so pleased that we can further support our team.”
