Research and development tax specialist Access2Funding has launched a menopause policy as part of its investment in workplace culture, people and employee wellbeing.
According to the company, the new policy aims to raise awareness and understanding, outline the support available and allow colleagues to openly and comfortably instigate conversations about the menopause.
The initiative will include an employee assistance programme, as well as modifications to the work environment such as temperature control and flexible working. The menopause will now be treated as an ongoing health issue rather than as individual instances of ill health at the organisation.
According to Access2Funding, the policy has been introduced because it wants to change attitudes towards menopause in the workplace and help to create a better understanding in order to help to alleviate potential embarrassment for those suffering from menopausal symptoms.
Dawn Coker, chief operating officer at Access2Funding, went through early menopause and has been calling for improved employer awareness and support around the subject following her personal experience.
Coker explained that she was thrown into early menopause in her thirties and experienced daily struggles at work with management who had little understanding or thought for her symptoms. As a result, she said that the company has implemented the policy to help create an environment where women feel confident enough to raise issues about their symptoms and managers are educated on how to support people going through the menopause.
“With menopausal women being the fastest growing workforce demographic, simple workplace adjustments like desk fans, priority seating by windows and training for line managers is important – but most of all, feeling at ease talking about your menopausal symptoms can make all the difference if you’re having a particularly bad day,” she said.
“The menopause policy will further strengthen our inclusive culture, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect,” Coker added.