Facebook And Apple Now Cover Female Employees Who Freeze Eggs

In a world where the biggest tech companies are often criticized for employing relatively low numbers of female workers, Apple and Facebook have both instituted a notable change in policy: they'll both now cover the costs for employees to have eggs frozen, something more women are choosing to do so that their younger years can be spent working on building a career. Both are now covering costs that will, under typical pricing structures, allow female workers to have up to two procedure rounds.NBC News is reporting that Apple plans to start covering the costs of having eggs frozen this coming January, and that Facebook has already started. Both are offering coverage up to $20,000, and the typical cost of freezing eggs is $10,000 per round, excluding annual storage costs.

Both are covering the procedures even if they're done for non-medical reasons, making them the first two companies on their realm to do so. According to NBC, Facebook is covering the costs under a surrogacy benefit, while Apple is covering it as a fertility benefit. This joins similar so-called perks the companies already offered, including things like benefits for adoption.

The latest benefit is being praised by some who see the move as better leveling the playing field between workers. It is the latest perk that can be seen as a move to attract women in the industry, which will ultimately lead to better in-house diversity numbers; it is also an excellent way to help ensure female workers stick with the company.

SOURCE: NBC News