Airedale NHS Foundation Trust in West Yorkshire has received menopause-friendly workplace accreditation in recognition of the support it offers to employees.
Established by Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace, the accreditation recognises organisations that embrace menopause in the workplace.
The NHS trust has set up a variety of menopause-related initiatives, including a dedicated email address for employees to ask any questions they may have or share useful information, a library of menopause books, a section on its intranet with useful resources, menopause cafes and events that offer information about symptoms and how to manage them, and how to have conversations with line managers, useful products such as neck fans, and a tips wall where staff can write helpful advice on post it notes.
It has also introduced a menopause support network for affected employees as well as partners of individuals experiencing symptoms. This year, the network will put together a series of speakers for events, with pelvic health physiotherapist Serena Hampson due to speak at its first event.
In addition, the trust has implemented a menopause policy for managers and included this on its Enable adjustments passport, to make it easier for staff to ask for and record their adjustments.
Sarah Heys, wellbeing lead at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Being a menopause-friendly employer is extremely important for our current and future workforce; helping us attract, retain, and make Airedale the best place to work. We embraced working towards menopause-friendly accreditation and are committed to embed good practice around menopause.
“I’m particularly proud of the work we have done, and continue to do, to raise awareness about all stages of the menopause and the engagement work we have done with colleagues and line managers in helping to normalise the conversation about menopause at work. This not only helps colleagues who work at Airedale, but will also help our local community and future generations.”
