The Warehouse Group enhances its family violence support

The Warehouse Group is enhancing its support for team members experiencing family violence, through providing extra paid leave and accommodation entitlements and a new digital training course.

The Warehouse Group employs 12,000 team members and was one of the first businesses in New Zealand to introduce paid leave and support for those impacted by family violence back in 2015.

Team members are now being offered up to 15 days’ leave which is over and above the legal requirement of 10 days outlined in the Domestic Violence/Victims Protection Act. The new policy also includes up to three nights' accommodation at an approved motel or hotel to help affected team members needing emergency shelter.

Chief Human Resources Officer Richard Parker, says the extended leave entitlements will enable team members to put themselves in a safer position without the fear of suffering financially as a consequence.

“Family violence is an issue that runs through every part of our society. Based on the New Zealand statistics, we know that as a large New Zealand employer it is likely some of our team will be affected by abuse from a family member.

"Providing an extra five days leave and offering emergency accommodation support is recognition that this type of abuse is complex, and we want to give our team the security of knowing that they could take family violence leave without risking their job or financial stability".

The new digital training has been developed in partnership with Women’s Refuge who The Warehouse Group has worked alongside to bring about change to New Zealand’s family violence statistics since 2015.

The training is designed for team members to learn the warning signs of domestic violence, how to stay safe and get help, and how to help others.

Women’s Refuge Chief Executive, Dr Ang Jury says, “Throughout our partnership with The Warehouse Group, it has been evident that their commitment to addressing family violence is not just ticking a box.

“They have demonstrated through progressive policies and initiatives like this that they are dedicated to assisting those in their organisation that are experiencing family violence in concrete and practical ways. We applaud them and hope that many more companies will follow their example.”

The Group also hosts ‘shielded site’ icons on all of its brand websites, so people experiencing abuse can be connected with help, without it showing in their browser's history.