Procter & Gamble (P&G) will be extending all its company offered benefits to partners of LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer+) employees effective April 1, 2022, the consumer goods company said today.

Medical support: Partners of LGBTQ+ employees will now be covered under company’s medical plan that provides hospitalisation coverage to employees and their dependents.

Emergency financial assistance: LGBTQ+ employees can avail emergency financial assistance for their partners. P&G India provides emergency financial assistance to its employees and their partners in case of natural calamity, death of an immediate family member or hospitalisation of an immediate family member to cover expenses not covered in the company’s medical policy.

Flex subsidy allowance: The company provides additional fixed allowance to its employees to meet their personal and family needs. These include interest payments for bank loans, allowance for medical care, childcare, wellness, productivity tools, home renovation, personal vacation and travel, personal development for employee and family, and family celebrations. LGBTQ+ employees can now avail this benefit for their partners.

Relocation benefits: The company will extend financial support and transfer related assistance arising out of a company-initiated relocation to partners of LGBTQ+ employees.

“We are proud to shape our company offered comprehensive benefits to a fully inclusive and equality-based programme which extends to partners of LGBTQ+ employees. This latest initiative builds on top of our ‘Share the Care’ inclusive parental leave policy that we launched last year. We will also continue to strengthen our awareness and training programs that sensitise our people on LGBTQ+ diversity. We hope that this will enable us to strengthen our company’s culture, inspire change and create a positive societal impact,” said PM Srinivas, Vice President and Head – Human Resources, Indian Sub-Continent, Procter & Gamble.

Back in 1992, P&G took a public stand for inclusion by adding sexual orientation to its non-discrimination policies. The company has an internal affinity group, GABLE (Gay, Ally, Bisexual, Lesbian, and Transgender Employees) that is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive network, that empowers diverse employees to bring their whole selves to work every day.