John Keells adopts HIV Aids workplace policy

The John Keells Group announced the adoption of an HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy across their leisure industry companies in Sri Lanka.

This is the first such roll out by a Sri Lankan conglomerate and could serve as a beacon to other private sector companies as well as conglomerates in the country to follow the example of this blue chip giant.

An HIV/AIDS workplace policy makes it safe for persons living with HIV and AIDS to work in and contribute to organizations, while the critical prevention aspect of the policy aims to halt the spread of the disease via education of and information dissemination among the employees of the organization.

Therefore, an HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy is a win-win proposition for both organizations and their employees. The four principles adopted by the John Keells Group's leisure industry companies consist of 1. Recognizing HIV/AIDS as a workplace issue and treating it like any other serious illness/condition affecting the workforce, 2. Nondiscrimination in the workplace against employees on the basis of real or perceived HIV status, 3. Confidentiality of personal data relating to a worker's HIV status, and 4. Prevention of HIV/AIDS by promoting change of attitudes and behaviours through ongoing education and awareness programmes.

The four principles are based on the International Labour Organization's code of practice for workplaces.

As a lead up to the adoption of the Policy, a comprehensive action plan was implemented in each company of the John Keells Leisure industry group in Sri Lanka.