What makes a menopause friendly employer?

Deborah Garlick

Founder, Menopause Friendly

Menopause in the workplace is firmly established as being the right thing to do. But how exactly does an organisation become menopause friendly?

Menopause in the workplace is firmly established as being the right thing to do. Employers large and small cannot have failed to notice the movement towards menopause friendly organisations. But how exactly does an organisation become menopause friendly?

A good starting point is signing the excellent Menopause Workplace Pledge but it’s not enough on its own. To really change hearts and minds around menopause in the workplace, employers must educate and train all staff, host workshops, training sessions and events to bring the topic into workday conversations and break the taboo. They should also put in place physical and practical changes to ensure people can work through menopause in as much comfort as possible.

Become an accredited employer

“The main question employers ask us is how do they become officially accredited as they recognise Menopause Friendly Accreditation as a Kitemark of quality and excellence around menopause in the workplace,” says Deborah Garlick, founder of Menopause Friendly. “We demystify menopause for employers and make it clear what they need to do in terms of providing support through unique workshops, events and resources.”

Menopause in the workplace is an issue for businesses of all types and sizes according to Garlick whose independent panel has worked with organisations as diverse as the John Lewis Partnership, HSBC Bank, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Thames Valley Police. She also counts charities, NHS trusts and football clubs among those employers who have gained Menopause Friendly Accreditation.

To really change the lived experience of those working through menopause, employers must put in place policies and strategies to educate, train and support all colleagues.

Safeguarding against tribunals

As well as providing a supportive, reassuring and understanding workplace environment, menopause friendly employers can help safeguard themselves against the rising tide of workplace tribunals that cite menopause as a factor.

“Working towards and achieving Menopause Friendly Accreditation is the best defence against tribunals as it gives employers a high level of training and support alongside a robust set of tools to support people as they work through their menopause,” says Garlick.

Making change happen

“There is a lot of attention being paid to menopause in the workplace but it’s crucial employers don’t just pay lip service to being menopause friendly,” says Garlick. “To really change the lived experience of those working through menopause, employers must put in place policies and strategies to educate, train and support all colleagues.”

Building a true understanding around menopause at work, creating confidence among employees and giving clear support to employers will make lasting and positive change happen.