CIPD partners with government’s menopause champion to raise awareness

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has partnered with government menopause employment champion Helen Tomlinson in order to raise awareness of menopause-friendly workplaces.

The industry body for HR and people development will work with Tomlinson to communicate to as many organisations of different sizes and sectors as possible about how menopause supportive work cultures are essential to attracting and retaining talent.

Appointed by the Department for Work and Pensions in March, Tomlinson has been helping employers develop policies that empower women experiencing the menopause to stay and progress in work, while also highlighting how pivotal open and supportive cultures are in ensuring menopause symptoms are spoken about, as well as being able to access support at work and being able to raise any concerns.

Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, said: “We’re looking forward to working closely with Helen and the DWP team on this important agenda that could transform the support for women in the workplace and raise awareness and shift cultures everywhere. We’ve been championing the importance of menopause-friendly workplaces for several years and we look forward to amplifying this work. By outlining the options available in job advertisements, employers are likely to be able to recruit from wider talent pools and, in turn, create fairer and more inclusive workplaces.”

Tomlinson added: “It is important that businesses have access to best practice. This shouldn’t be used as competitive advantage in organisations but as part of their employee value proposition. All women, regardless of employer size, sector, race, or socio-economic demographic should be included in this work. I am, therefore, delighted to be collaborating with CIPD. I look forward to working with them to amplify and advocate the great work being done to support women and people experiencing perimenopause or menopause.”