Continuing with a strong focus on staff wellbeing, DB Results has announced it will follow New Zealand’s landmark legislation by offering bereavement leave to staff, if sadly the need should arise. This paid leave applies to loss from miscarriage and is intended to give women and their partners time to grieve without having to access existing sick leave.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australia remains one of the safest places in the world for a baby to be born. Even so, in 2018, 2,789 babies died in the perinatal period. Three quarters (2,115) were stillbirths and 674 were neonatal deaths. [1]
CEO at DB Results Gavin Bunshaw explained,
“The New Zealand policy recognises a gap in legislation; being a private company that strongly believes in supporting our people’s health and wellbeing, we have implemented the policy immediately at DB Results. We recognise miscarriage is a loss, not a sickness, and like any loss, requires time for grieving.”
Last year the tech company created online applications Wellness+ and MiOK, which offer extra health and wellbeing support for employees, particularly during COVID-19 restrictions. The platforms were created by staff for staff and were also gifted to charity organisations.
DB Results is leading the way in Australia by offering this type of leave. Apart from New Zealand, India is the only other country that has specific leave for miscarriage.
