MetLife Australia staff will have new leave benefits, including for menopause, after the insurer consulted its employee-led diversity, equity and inclusion committee.

The insurer says the changes, which also provide time off for gender affirmation, drew on insights from Diversity Council Australia and MetLife’s Employee Benefits Trends Study.

According to the study, additional paid leave is a priority for staff and can be a key driver of employee engagement.

“These findings, along with insights from the Diversity Council Australia Inclusive Employer survey, helped MetLife design these tailored leave benefits to better support its unique workforce,” the company said.

“These leave benefits underscore the focus that needs to be placed on supporting mental as well as physical needs, especially as we acknowledge the impact on people and on workplaces.”

The new benefits provide menopause leave of up to 10 days, fertility leave of up to five days and gender affirmation leave of up to four weeks, along with return-to-work support planning.

The insurer is also extending paid parental leave to 16 weeks this year and 18 weeks next year.