Today is World Menopause Day, and marks the launch of Workman’s Menopause Policy.
The menopause policy will support colleagues experiencing symptoms such as hot flushes, anxiety, and sleep deprivation, giving employees access to flexible working arrangements, along with support and help through Workman’s Employee Assistance Programme and GP.
There is also a Workman Menopause Peer Support Group on hand for informal discussion.
Workman hopes to end stigma around the menopause by encouraging a better understanding of it among all staff, including line managers, and facilitating a more open work environment for those transitioning through it. The firm will also introduce awareness briefings, and dedicated champions have been appointed.
The firm’s own Women’s Equality Employee Network, along with the HR team, are responsible for the policy, and will continue to offer support to all experiencing perimenopause and menopause symptoms.
Vicky Cotton, ESG Director, said: “We want to open up the conversation at Workman and in doing so prompt the property management and building consultancy industries to also start talking more about how they can better support colleagues transitioning through all stages of menopause. The aim is to understand and support employees, and to create an environment in which we can all become more informed about menopause and are comfortable and confident talking about its impact.
“This may be a natural biological phase, but it can have a significant impact on the professional and personal life of those experiencing symptoms. Family, friends, managers, and colleagues can also be affected as they try to understand what’s happening and offer support. We are pleased to announce the implementation of the Workman Menopause Policy, which strengthens our commitment to support colleagues through challenging times.”
Why does menopause matter in the workplace?
- More than half (59%) of women in the workplace who experience menopausal symptoms say it has a negative impact on their work, according to research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
- The number of people who will experience menopause while in employment is increasing. Although it can be experienced at a range of ages, it is most likely to be experienced between ages 40 and 58, with the average age at 51.
- Women over the age of 50 are the fastest growing group in the workforce, and there are currently around 4.5 million women aged 50–64 in employment, according to the Women and Equalities Committee.
- Women are also staying in work for longer; the same research shows that in 1986 the average age of women’s labour-market exit was 60; by 2020 it had increased to 64.
- Women in this age group are highly skilled and experienced, typically at the peak of their careers, and are role models for younger workers. However, approximately 10% of these women feel forced to leave work because of menopausal symptoms.
For more information:
Menopause Wellness Hub – Women’s Health Concern (womens-health-concern.org)
