Johnson & Johnson Thailand has reaffirmed its commitment to diversity and inclusion by extending provision of Mediclaim benefits to same-gender partners of its employees. Employees' domestic partners are now recognized in the same way as non-marital legal relationships and are covered as eligible family members under all company medical benefits packages, which include medical insurance, Hospital Inpatient care (IPD)/Hospital Outpatient care (OPD), and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
The change in status comes after the Thai government endorsed a Civil Partnership Bill in 2020, as well as legal amendments permitting partnership registration of same-gender couples providing them the same rights as legally-married couples. Although the bill is still pending and has to go through parliamentary approval, Johnson & Johnson Thailand providing Medicare coverage and entitlement for same-gender couples of employees to benefit from its programs.
"We are committed to having an inclusive, safe and open environment for all LGBTQ+ colleagues in our workplace and equity in employee benefits is one of the critical milestones in ensuring that our workplace standards are met. We believe that treating all colleagues - regardless of their sexual orientation - with dignity and respect is the right thing to do. This is the latest measure we have introduced to ensure an equal and inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees, following on from the launch of our Employee Resource Group (ERG) for LGBTQ+ and allies, called O&O (Open & Out)," said Weerawat Meekaew, Lead of O&O and Government Affairs Director.
Johnson & Johnson Thailand joins a league of a few companies in announcing same-gender partner Mediclaim benefits. Open & Out is a voluntary, employee-led resource group for colleagues who are open-minded and out to make a difference for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) professionals and their straight allies within the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies.
Wisit Jirutitijaroen, Head of HR, Johnson & Johnson Thailand added, "We believe in making inclusion real, and offering equal benefits for LGBTQ+ employees is an important part of our strategy. Johnson & Johnson wants to provide a safe and welcoming work environment that supports every individual in feeling proud, integrated and equal."
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