Alstom, a global pioneer in smart and sustainable mobility solutions, has taken a bold step towards fostering gender equality and enhancing employee well-being by unveiling a groundbreaking maternity and adoption policy in the UK. This forward-thinking initiative sets a new benchmark in the industry, offering full pay for up to 12 months to staff on maternity and adoption leave. This commitment goes beyond simply providing a benefit; it reflects Alstom’s dedication to retaining female talent and creating an inclusive environment that attracts new professionals to both the company and the broader rail sector.
This progressive policy addresses the well-known ‘pregnancy penalty,’ where women returning from maternity leave often face challenges in regaining their career momentum. By offering financial stability for up to a year of leave, the policy empowers women to return to work without feeling disadvantaged or pressured to return before they are ready, promoting a smoother transition back to work. This proactive approach underscores Alstom’s belief that a supportive workplace environment is crucial for women to reach their full potential.
Charlotte Briers, Rolling Stock Performance Lead and Chair of Voices of Women at Alstom, aptly summarizes the impact of this policy: “This enhanced maternity policy is a significant step forward, and exemplifies how Alstom strives to ensure that women within the organisation are able to thrive both professionally and personally. With the maternity improvement – alongside the recent introduction of enhanced menopause support and emergency period care – it shows that Alstom is serious about being a workplace for women.”
James Gray, Human Resources Director at Alstom, further emphasizes the company’s commitment to creating a workplace that values and supports employees throughout all stages of their lives: “We recognise the importance of removing barriers to progression for women in our workforce. This enhanced maternity policy demonstrates our commitment to providing a work environment that values and supports our employees throughout all stages of their lives.” He adds, “This initiative will not only help us retain top talent but also attract skilled professionals who seek a company that truly values gender equality.”
Alstom’s dedication to diversity and inclusion extends beyond this new policy. The company has implemented numerous initiatives to close the gender pay gap, support family life, and ensure women’s career progression across its global operations. In 2017, Alstom introduced its biennial Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) census in the UK to identify areas for improvement. The insights gathered led to the development and launch of the Alstom8 training workshops, designed to raise awareness and provide practical guidance on fostering workplace inclusivity. Over the past three years, more than 2,100 employees have participated in these sessions, demonstrating the company’s commitment to positive cultural change.
Furthering these efforts are Alstom’s four ‘Voices of’ groups—Women, Pride+, Cultural Diversity, and Disability—which provide a platform for sharing experiences, challenging conventional thinking, and influencing strategy and policy. These groups also monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and act as ambassadors for diversity and inclusion. The Voices of Women group has spearheaded initiatives such as the provision of free period care in all female restrooms, soon to be expanded to all shared facilities, and enhanced support for colleagues going through menopause, offering a comprehensive Menopause Plan at no additional cost through the company’s Bupa cover.
The recently launched maternity and adoption policy, available to employees with at least two years of service, offers full pay for up to 52 weeks of maternity leave. It also includes enhanced payments for those eligible for statutory maternity or adoption pay, further reinforcing Alstom’s commitment to supporting families.
Alstom’s initiatives are a testament to its continuous efforts to build a workplace that promotes equality, inclusion, and career advancement for all.
