Zurich rolls out flexible bank holidays to further strengthen its mission to become truly inclusive
28 November 2023
Zurich Insurance is set to launch flexible bank holidays for all employees across the UK as part of its drive to become an inclusive employer.
Today, Zurich UK launches its new approach which will give all 4,500 employees in the UK the opportunity to swap traditional bank holidays for days that are important to them, enabling people to celebrate a variety of cultural, faith and religious occasions.
The business worked closely with its employee-led Cultural Awareness Network which championed the move, with one in three saying they would take advantage of it. The team also carried out focus groups with staff and people managers to ensure it met everyone’s needs. Network members believed it was important to support diversity across the workforce and further strengthen the insurer’s mission to become more inclusive.
Swatee Singh Ross, Operational Performance Manager - South East and Cultural Awareness Network member at Zurich UK, said: “This is testament to the power of our network. It’s great to have played a part in bringing about this initiative for our UK workforce. Our members, colleagues and managers’ voices were listened to and thanks to this new approach, people will be able to join families and loved ones on days that are important to them.”
Sally Blake, UK Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Zurich UK, said: “Thanks to the joint efforts from the Cultural Awareness Network and the People team, we are now able to ensure all employees have the opportunity to celebrate those important moments that matter to them. At Zurich, we are committed to making sure all voices are heard in order to become a truly diverse and inclusive employer.”
The new approach to flexible bank holidays will be rolled out immediately.