NEXTDC, in support of White Ribbon Day and in alignment with NEXTDC’s corporate social responsibility programs, has proudly announced a new internal policy that offers paid leave to victims of domestic violence.
“At NEXTDC, we have introduced Family and Domestic Violence Leave to support any of our employees who may be experiencing domestic violence,” states Fiona Notley, Chief People and Culture Officer at NEXTDC. “By offering paid leave to our permanent employees, we hope to mitigate the stress and financial worry that people in these terrible situations may be facing.”
NEXTDC’s new internal policy is available for employees suffering domestic violence to make arrangements for safety or alternative accommodation, access support services, attend to personal matters or to attend court hearings.
“Knowing the horrendous statistics of violence towards women in our country - that 1 in 3 women experience some form of domestic abuse in Australia, and that on average one woman per week in Australia is killed by their partner or former partner – empowered us to better support the women in our work environment and our local communities,” says Ms Notley. “I encourage other companies in the private sector to follow suit and provide support for those who need it most in our communities.”
The policy for employees will be available for those in need to take steps to minimise harm and to deal with the impacts of the violence. Such time may be required in order to make safety or alternate accommodation arrangements, or for medical, police or legal assistance, court hearings or counselling. The abuse may be actual or threatened, and may be physical, sexual, emotional or psychological.
For permanent employees and fixed-term contractors, employees are eligible to take up to 10 days per annum of special paid leave, to avoid needing to use sick leave, holiday leave or leave without pay. Additional amounts of special leave are available an as-required basis appropriate to the specific circumstances. Furthermore, confidential counselling services are provided free of charge through our NEXTDC Employee Assistance Program.
