Staff at energy firm to be offered unlimited paid compassionate leave
Bristol based firm Energy Ovo has launched a new scheme for its staff which will allow them to take unlimited compassionate leave.
The firm, which is one of the biggest energy firms in the country, has launched a new package for its staff. The scheme has been labelled by company as its People Offer.
As part of the package staff will be able to take fully paid compassionate leave in order to grieve following the death of a loved one.
The same package also applies to those who have had to cope with pregnancy loss such as a miscarriage, termination, ectopic pregnancy and unsuccessful IVF attempts.
Other benefits include five days of Moments that Matter which includes paid leave every four years, where staff can take time off to celebrate life events such as their child’s first day of school or a wedding anniversary.
Managers also have the authority to authorise recharge leave following particularly intense periods of work.
Charlotte Eaton, chief people officer at Ovo Energy, said: “Grief is experienced differently from person to person, so we feel strongly that we shouldn’t be prescriptive when it comes to compassionate leave, or leave for pregnancy loss.
“We hope that the offer of unlimited leave in both instances will allow individuals to recharge before returning to work with full support.
“Similarly, we know these past few years have been extremely difficult for everyone, and events such as the pandemic have made many reassess their priorities. Family time and space to reflect is crucial to overall wellbeing, so we hope the flexible working policy and recharge leave will be equally welcomed by our people.”
Ove was founded by Stephen Fitzpatrick in 2009 and it now employs over 4,000 staff.
In 2020 the company completed the acquisition of the retail arm of SSE, making it the UK’s third-largest domestic energy supply company.
