Beiersdorf introduces a global healthcare policy to support employees with critical illnesses

The new policy will support all employees in the Consumer Business Segment worldwide in illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, or cancer.

Hamburg-based skin care company, Beiersdorf, has introduced a 'Global Critical Illness Policy' aimed to provide comprehensive support to its employees facing life-threatening illnesses. The policy applies to certain criteria-defined physical critical illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, or cancer.

Implemented globally by the maker of brands like NIVEA, Eucerin, La Prairie and Hansaplast, the critical illness policy includes the following provisions for all employees in the Consumer Business Segment worldwide:

• One-year job security: Employees diagnosed with a critical illness will receive a one-year job guarantee, in support of financial stability during their treatment and recovery period.
• 100% salary compensation: Affected employees will be provided with 100% salary continuation, supplementing any existing payments from social insurance programmes or national health systems.
• Global minimum standards: Irrespective of the local social security system, all employees within the 'Consumer Business Segment' worldwide will have access to these benefits.
• The policy extends support beyond the diagnosed employee, offering bereavement leave for upto 10 additional days for the loss of a close family member.
• Compassionate leave for caregivers: Employees in a primary caregiver role for a critically ill immediate family member (e.g., partner, children, parents, siblings) will receive up to 10 days of additional leave in the first year after the diagnosis.
• Workplace accommodations and reintegration support: Affected employees will develop, together with their direct manager and the HR department, solutions to make their work routine easier. This could include flexible work arrangements or special office equipment.
• After a prolonged absence, a tailored reintegration plan will be developed based on the employee’s current capacity and readiness for work.

On the announcement, Vincent Warnery, CEO of Beiersdorf, shared: "A life-threatening illness is an experience like no other – both personally and professionally. No one should go through this journey feeling isolated, with concerns about their job, financial stability, or career development.

"I'm pleased that our global critical illness policy enables us to provide assistance during these challenging times so that our employees can fully focus on their recovery."

In addition to the new policy rollout, a year ago, Beiersdorf signed the 'Working with Cancer Pledge' initiated by Publicis Groupe, committing itself to raising awareness about cancer and fighting against stigmatisation in the workplace - and since then, the pledge has been turned into this globally applicable policy.

Nicola Lafrentz, Board Member and Labour Director, shared: "Still, too many employees do not disclose in their workplace that they are critically ill. With our policy, we show our employees that we are there for them in these challenging times and in moments that matter.

"Through internal awareness programs and trainings, we are committed to removing any associated stigma that often comes with being diagnosed with a critical illness."

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Photo / Beiersdorf (LEIPZIG AEROSOL PRODUKTION NIVEA B&W SILKY)