AU Small Finance Bank Introduces Menstrual Leaves For Women Employees First

AU Small Finance Bank, India’s largest Small Finance Bank, today joined the list of Indian firms that offer menstrual leave policy for its women employees. Besides, the bank also announced ‘AU Forever Pass’ an industry first initiative for exiting employees. 

’Diversity & Inclusion’ are at the heart of AU Bank’s operations and with the menstrual leave policy the bank aims at building an inclusive workplace for women by offering them one day of additional paid leave every month under the menstrual leave policy, over and above the approved leaves. The policy will be actioned from February 2023. 

As an industry first initiative, the bank has also launched a special ‘AU Forever Pass’ for employees leaving the organization after a service of 3 years. At the time of exit, selected eligible employees with gold-standard service record and exceptional contribution to the Bank’s growth would be awarded an ‘AU Forever Pass’ membership that gives candidates an assured opportunity to join back AU SFB whenever they wish. 

Speaking on the purpose behind introducing these revolutionary employee centric initiatives, Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, MD & CEO,  AU Small Finance Bank, said, “Under our ethos of ‘badlaav’ we are working towards bringing progressive changes within our organisation to make it more supportive and inclusive for everyone. The culture of a workplace can only be regarded as fully inclusive if it appreciates the needs of its varied workforce including women and even exiting employees. Employee-centric policies, such as the Menstrual Leaves can pave the way towards building a friendly professional environment for women seeking to enter the workforce, through sensitising the organisation. Similarly, ‘AU Forever Pass’ is introduced to honour the contribution of our employees who leave our organization due to personal exigencies or professional aspirations. In this journey of ‘badlaav’, we will continue to march ahead holding hands with all our employees.” 

Further Mr. Vivek Tripathi, Head of HR, AU Small Finance Bank, added, “During and post-pandemic AU Bank has taken many initiatives to make the workplace safe and healthy for its employees. In recent times the bank has adopted policies like ‘AU Forever Pass’ initiative, menstrual leave policy, birthday leave, marriage anniversary leave, paternity leave, donating leaves policy, paid sabbatical leave for long serving employees, education assistance programme, personal loan policy, concessional home loan policy to address the changing needs of employees, families, and communities.”