Zurich staff in Australia are to receive industry-leading care entitlements designed to be as inclusive and flexible as possible, and more appropriately reflect modern Australian families than outdated parental leave plans.

The new Family Care Policy, effective from next month, supports each employee regardless of gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. It is inclusive of birth, adoption, surrogacy and IVF, as well as miscarriage and stillbirth.

“This is the next step in Zurich’s journey towards achieving equality for our people, as part of our wider aim to create a brighter, more sustainable workplace that puts our people first,” CEO General Insurance Tim Plant said.

The policy allows parents 16 weeks paid leave, with the ability to request up to two years. Co-parents receive six weeks paid leave plus additional unpaid leave, while all tenure requirements, including probation, are removed.

Leave and superannuation will continue to accrue during unpaid leave for primary parents, addressing the retirement savings “super gap” most often experienced by women.

Zurich Australia Head of Human Resources Sue Maher says the new policy, which was developed with the Women’s Innovation Network and PrideZ, recognises all family circumstances and supports a fair and equal workplace.

“[It] reflects the many different voices of our diverse workforce, ensuring inclusivity and better supporting the range of family circumstances we see across Australia today,” she said.