Seventeen leading Australian companies, government organisations and a university have reviewed their paid leave policies as part of a joint push to tackle domestic violence and gender inequality.
The 17 include Goldman Sachs, Qantas, Deloitte, Commonwealth Bank Australia, ANZ, Deloitte, ASX, KPMG Australia, Rio Tinto, Telstra, McKinsey and Co and the Australian Army.
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Mythbusting domestic violence leave
Will people fake domestic violence to get leave? How is it different to sick leave? Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) Ged Kearney argues against common misconceptions about domestic violence leave.
The Male Champions of Change representing leaders of the organisations have reported on their progress in responding to domestic violence.
The report, Lessons Learned from Implementing Workplace Responses to Domestic and Family Violence, to be released on Wednesday, says paid leave policies have been reviewed.
"In almost all cases, new paid leave policies were required to meet aspiration for support," the report says.
Paid domestic and family violence leave was found to be a powerful symbol of commitment to supporting people experiencing violence.
"As a practical support, financial security can make the difference to whether a woman remains, escapes, or returns to an abuse relationship," the report says.
"Simplifying the approval process for leave helps to make it more accessible for employees."
Some organisations found that allowing line managers to approve leave had helped make leave more accessible.
In reviewing their policies, many of the organisations said they had "found gaps or confusion around our approaches".
"Streamlining and enhancement was required. At times, our support for those experiencing violence needed to be made much more explicit," the report says.
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Managers often lacked confidence in how to act, but were keen to learn how to best support their colleagues.
"Knowing that they are not expected to be experts helps to relieve some of the burden managers feel," the report said. "Providing practical conversation starters helps with the initial first response."
CBA chief executive officer Ian Narev said it was an "uncomfortable fact" that large companies had victims and perpetrators of domestic and family violence as customers, employees and shareholders.
"We cannot simply accept that fact. Rather, we must accept our responsibility to play our part in changing it," he said.
Of the 1.4 million Australian women who are or have been in an abusive relationship, 800,000 are in the paid workforce.
Nearly half of those experiencing violence report difficulty getting to work. Performance is also affected when employees feel anxious, distracted and unwell.
KPMG estimates that by 2021, lost productivity linked to domestic violence will cost Australian businesses $609 million a year.
Telstra CEO Andy Penn said everyone had the right to feel safe and free from violence.
"We all have a role to play to change this, and workplaces that take steps will help change lives," he said.Â
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