Global law firm Dentons has signed up to the Menopause Friendly Workplace programme.
The firm, which employs 21,000 employees in more than 80 countries, has made efforts to become a menopause-friendly employer by creating a supportive working environment that includes health support, flexible working arrangements and relevant training for managers and staff.
It also organised regular events to raise awareness of the menopause, and informal drop-in sessions to create a safe space for those affected to discuss their experiences, as well as hosting four 60-minute interactive sessions. These started with a short immersive film using virtual reality headsets featuring a woman sharing her own experience of the menopause, followed by discussions and reflections on the impact on women in the workplace.
Dentons trained Yvonne Garricks, head of talent development, and Karen Peart, legal delivery centre operations manager, as menopause mentors, and to lead its menopause committee in the UK, Ireland and Middle East, providing one-to-one confidential support to anyone affected. It will train additional menopause mentors based in Scotland, Ireland and the Middle East this year.
Last October, the firm launched digital health app Peppy to offer its employees support from expert practitioners for the menopause, fertility, early parenthood and men’s health.
Garricks said: “We are committed to becoming a menopause-friendly employer, and we are proud to provide an inclusive environment for all our employees. We will continue to raise awareness about the menopause for all, while also supporting employees experiencing menopausal symptoms and empowering our managers to work with people on an individual basis.”
Peart added: “I am proud to be a menopause mentor at Dentons and see at first hand the impact on those going through the menopause of having a safe space to discuss their experiences and being able to signpost them to the best resources.”