Johnson & Johnson rolls out same-gender partner benefits ahead of IDAHOTB

American multinational, Johnson & Johnson (J&J), has announced a number of benefits, such as mediclaim, holiday plan, relocation policy, refundable medical advance and adoption leave for same-gender partners. The Company has announced these benefits ahead of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) underlining its commitment to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQIA+) community.

International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is celebrated on May 17, every year.

Sarthak Ranade, Managing Director, Janssen India, says, “Diversity and inclusion is the reality of how we live and work at Johnson & Johnson India and is deeply rooted in the values instilled by our Credo. Our global internal programme, Open&Out, has been making great efforts to promote equal access to opportunities for all our people in every corner of J&J. The inclusion of same-gender partners in the mediclaim and other policies will advance the culture of inclusion and create a better employee experience.” Janssen is a pharmaceutical subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.

Emrana Sheikh, head-HR, Johnson & Johnson India, states, “We believe in making inclusion real, and are offering equal benefits for LGBTQ employees to include various family benefits, including mediclaim cover to same-gender partners. This comes at a time when such coverage is difficult for standalone LGBTQ+ customers. It becomes much easier if the Company takes the responsibility. Johnson & Johnson wants to provide a safe and welcoming work environment that supports every individual in feeling proud, integrated and equal.”

Last year, on the occasion of IDAHOTB, Johnson & Johnson India reaffirmed its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community by creating Open&Out, its employee resource group, and also participated in the Queer Azaadi Mumbai (QAM) Pride March.