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Reeling from the recent US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, many companies are adopting new policies & benefits to support their employees. Several @sevensevensix founders have reached out to us for guidance. 🧵 1/
In response, we created a Reproductive Autonomy Resource Guide with templates, sample policies, and tips on how to get started. We believe having inclusive policies shouldn't be a competitive advantage; it should be table stakes for all companies. 2/
In the spirit of #buildinginpublic, we've decided to open-source this resource guide here: 776.vc/ReproAutonomy 3/
The goal of any new policy should be to help any employee feel supported, to build trust & to enable self-action. A few considerations before rushing to implement a new policy at your organization: 4/
🤐 Confidentiality is critical. Communicate the new changes -- and then communicate *how* your team can safely & discreetly utilize a benefit or policy. Highly recommend using a third party to process any claims. 5/
👐 Write inclusive policies. Many different types of people can get pregnant – not just women. Be sure to use inclusive language like “birthing person” or “womxn”. 6/
🫂 Reproductive issues impact more than just the impregnated. Be sure these new policies and benefits can be accessed by all employees who seek support, information and guidance. Partners and invested friends can make all the difference in the world. 7/
⛱️ Create broad policies for those who do not wish to disclose their reproductive health concerns to HR. Ex: A general wellness stipend that can be used at an employee’s discretion WITHOUT detailed receipts may allow them to access what they need quickly and discretely. 8/
🚹 Men need reproductive rights and benefits, too. Pregnancy is not solely a womxn's responsibility. Ensure ALL are supported in deciding when, if, and how they choose to start a family. 9/
🔎 Check your company’s health plans. Do they cover birth control pills, abortions, vasectomies, and other critical reproductive health needs? 10/
🍂 Not everyone will be comfortable with your new policies… and that’s ok. Be prepared for potential pushback from a customer or even an employee. They can choose to opt out. 11/
🌱 Remember: Every company has its own unique culture. These are the moments when your culture is not only shaped, but revealed. It is your job to listen and nurture, letting your values -- stated and otherwise -- lead your actions. /end
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