Menopause in the workplace: from policy to action
October is Menopause Awareness Month with 18th October marking World Menopause Day. We’re pleased to invite you to a special event hosted by the GLA’s Economic Fairness Team delivering the Mayor’s Good Work Standard – Menopause in the Workplace: From Policy to Planning Action – bringing together a panel of experts to help HR Professionals plan for the future.
The free online session (12.30pm, Thursday October 17th) features Dr Shema Tariq, Principal Clinical Research Fellow at UCL’s Institute for Global Health, Denise Heseltine, Director at Mæ Architects, Sue Johnson, Senior Equality and Fairness Policy Officer at the Greater London Authority and Magnus Kauders, MD, Occupational Health Assessment Ltd.
The session will cover:
- What is the menopause and how does it impact those experiencing it at work?
- What does ‘good’ look like for a menopause policy?
- Case study: Developing a menopause policy
- Converting your policy into an action plan in line with the New Deal for Working People
- Q&A
Menopause affects most women and some Trans, non-binary and intersex people at some point in their lives. Research from Bupa has shown that almost a million women have left their job because of menopausal symptoms, while CIPD research shows that around one in six people (17%) have considered leaving work due to a lack of support in relation to their menopause symptoms.
The government’s New Deal for Working People plans to strengthen rights to equal pay and protections for workers, this includes bringing in a requirement for employers with more than 250 employees to have a menopause action plan in place. That plan has just been published in the Employment Rights Bill laid before Parliament (Sec 26 – Equality Action Plans).
Many employers do have menopause policies in place, but few have action plans for how they will support staff and equip managers. Some employers are only just starting on their journey to develop menopause policies and smaller organisations may not have yet started.
The session will bring together expertise and examples to support Good Work Standard accredited and prospective employers to understand the menopause transition in the workplace, what ‘good’ looks like for menopause policies, how to develop one and how to convert existing menopause policies into action plans ahead of any legal requirements.
This session is aimed at employers of all sectors and sizes, specifically HR and People, Learning and Development, and Wellbeing professionals, CEO’s and Founders and anyone else working in this space.
Menopause in the Workplace: From Policy to Planning Action is an essential event for HR professionals and employers who want to support their workforce through menopause. Book your free place now.
Why employers need to prioritise menopause support
Menopause can have a significant impact on employees, ranging from physical symptoms like hot flushes to psychological effects such as anxiety and depression. Without proper support in place, businesses risk losing experienced, talented employees, as well as creating a workplace environment that lacks inclusivity.
Occupational Health Assessment Ltd understand that having a robust policy is important, but it’s the practical implementation that truly makes a difference. Every employer must ask themselves: Is our policy just a piece of paper, or is it helping create real change for our staff?
From policy to action: how employers can make a difference
Implementing an effective menopause policy goes beyond the basics. It’s about creating a supportive workplace culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their symptoms and seeking help. The critical steps for employers to consider are:
Education and raising awareness
Many people, including managers, may not fully understand the impact of menopause. Training can help demystify the subject, enabling managers to offer informed and sensitive support.
Provide adjustments
Flexible working hours, better ventilation and quiet spaces can make a huge difference to those experiencing menopause symptoms. Reasonable adjustments are key to keeping affected employees comfortable and productive. It’s often a legal duty for employers too.
Encourage open conversations
Create an environment where employees feel able to discuss health issues, including menopause, without fear of judgment or negative repercussions. Open communication is a critical step toward breaking the stigma surrounding menopause at work.
Occupational health support
Work with occupational health professionals to support employees experiencing menopause and get confidential advice and support.
Menopause and employee retention
Supporting employees through menopause is not only a legal responsibility under the Equality Act 2010, but it also makes good business sense. Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to stay with a company, reducing employee turnover and maintaining a diverse workforce.
Join the conversation
The mayor of London’s Good Work Standard team invite HR leaders and employers to attend this Menopause in the Workplace event and take proactive steps in addressing menopause in their workplaces.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how to make your menopause policy more than just words on paper – book your spot today!
About The Good Work Standard
The Mayor’s Good Work Standard aims to improve working lives for Londoners by bringing together best employment practice and links to resources and support from across London to help employers improve their organisations.
Organisations able to meet the Good Work Standard criteria can apply for accreditation and recognition as leading employers from the Mayor.
About Occupational Health Assessment Ltd – a nationwide occupational health provider
Occupational Health Assessment Ltd provides rapid access to expert occupational health support for businesses across the United Kingdom. Appointments are available nationwide within two days.
With a unique occupational health assessment service, night worker health assessments, fitness certifications and access to clinics in Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Coventry, Derby, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Northampton, Nottingham, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Reading, Sheffield, Southampton, Stoke, Surrey and more, the business provides high quality, expert medical advice.
Please contact us for further information or assistance.