A lot of this has been achieved through policies that support employees through different stages of their lives. These include Diageo’s flex philosophy, which looks different for all employees whether that’s flexible working hours or just finding the right mix of home and office time. Other benefits include fertility support; family leave that is available to both men and women, and for people becoming parents through any route; as well as menopause support and bereavement leave.
Gerry is particularly proud of the company’s parental leave policy. “It’s really helped level the playing field, but it also gives more men the experience of being home and connected to their families. So when they create those beautiful ties when the babies are young, it actually starts a process of more balance at home, which can help in the later years as well.” She also points out that this opens up more opportunities for people in the company, even those who are not availing of parental leave. “People are getting more opportunities to step up in jobs, such as leadership opportunities or lots of cross functional moves,” when colleagues are on leave, she explains.
The best way to support employees, Gerry believes, is to listen to them. “We do a lot of engagement around measuring sentiment, but also asking for honest feedback. So in a survey recently 94% of employees said they’re really proud to work for Diageo, and a lot of that I know comes from the policies, and how they’re treated as employees.” Employee resource groups provide space for passions and connection, and help create balance in people’s lives. “We’ve had a spirited women network for 15 years that supports women in the workplace, while a newer one called PRISM supports neurodivergent employees and their families.”
In a company as varied as Diageo, Gerry points out that they have a diverse range of employees, from people making packaging, brewers, salespeople, as well as multiple offices across the country. “But the culture can connect everybody. When you’re celebrated as an employee, it comes through. I’m not saying it’s an easy place to work, it’s high performance, and it is a place that you come to be challenged and grown. But we’re very open with our employees about that. So the people that want to come in and grow, and see what’s possible, Diageo is a great place for them.”