Allianz takes big step in transition to trans-inclusive workplace policy

Insurer  Allianz has unveiled a new  “transitioning at work” policy across its UK business, covering topics such as name changes, time off for transition and dress codes.

The move is a part of the company's initiative to create a diverse and inclusive culture where employees feel safe to come out and work comfortably while having equal opportunities for growth.

Created by the Human Resource and D&I team in collaboration with Allianz UK and LV= General Insurance (LV= GI) Pride Networks, with support from Stonewall, the policy offers practical guidance, clarification and education. It includes information on the legal context and protections that relate to transgender employees, as well as key considerations and responsibilities for employees and line managers.

The policy forms part of Allianz’s Diversity and Inclusion Standard, which reflects how employees should conduct and express themselves with a view to creating an environment in which everyone is respected, valued and able to bring their true self to work.

Some of the topics covered in the policy include name changes and official records; time off for transitioning to attend appointments, treatment and surgery; dress codes; pronoun guidance; and the recruitment procedures.

Allianz Holdings' chief operating officer Stephanie Smith highlighted that according to a nationwide survey by Stonewall, 51 percent of trans people have either hidden or disguised their identity at work for fear of discrimination.

Mike Crane, D&I executive sponsor, managing director LV= GI Broker and CEO L&G General Insurance, said: “This launch marks another key milestone in our D&I journey, and supports our ongoing ambition to celebrate the diversity of our people and ensure that we all feel empowered to express ourselves authentically at work.

“As an employer, we need to ensure that our trans colleagues are able to enjoy an employee experience where they feel validated, accepted, respected and supported. We hope this significant step will help us ensure our workforce is fully diverse and reflects the communities and customers we serve.”

Scarlet Marie Morgan, governance administrator and co-lead of the Allianz UK Pride Network, noted that “the guidance this transitioning policy provides will help other transgender people feel brave to come out in the knowledge they are going to be supported in their life and career at Allianz.”

Ceridwen Millington, customer claims handler at LV= GI, commented: “I’m grateful to have been treated so empathetically when coming out and I was supported throughout by my senior management. I didn’t really know as an employee how I should move ahead with the process of social transition, and a concrete template to follow would have been really useful.

“This policy will make coming out easier for employees but also enormously aid any further steps, and I’m pleased that no matter the difficulty of accessing medical transition that I won’t have the impossible challenge of trying to fit it around work.”

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