Diageo India introduces Fertility Support Leave for employees

Diageo India has announced the introduction of a Fertility Support Leave policy, reinforcing its commitment to fostering an inclusive and progressive workplace that supports employees through important life stages. Effective January 2026, the policy is designed to support employees undergoing fertility treatment, as well as those supporting a partner or planning parenthood.

The new policy covers a range of medically assisted fertility procedures. Under the initiative, full-time employees undergoing fertility treatment will be eligible for up to 10 days of paid Fertility Support Leave each year. The leave can be availed flexibly, either in full days or half days, and may be taken consecutively or spread across multiple occasions. This flexibility is intended to help employees better manage medical appointments, recovery periods and work commitments.

Fertility journeys are often deeply personal and can be shaped by individual choice, circumstances and medical realities. Fertility treatments frequently involve physical, emotional and time-intensive demands, and supportive workplace policies can play a crucial role in reducing stress, stigma and potential career trade-offs for employees navigating this phase.

Shilpa Vaid, Chief Human Resources Officer, Diageo India, said, “As women embark on deeply personal fertility journeys shaped by choice, circumstance and sometimes medical realties, workplaces play an important role in offering understanding, flexibility, and support. Fertility treatments often involve physical, emotional, and time-intensive demands, and thoughtful workplace policies can help reduce stress, stigma, and career trade-offs.”

The Fertility Support Leave policy adds to Diageo India’s existing suite of progressive people practices, which include gender-neutral parental leave, pregnancy loss leave, flexible work arrangements and caregiver support, further underscoring the company’s focus on inclusion, employee wellbeing and sustained career growth.