Logistics business DHL Supply Chain has released a new menopause at work guide for its 40,000 employees to support those with the condition.
Launched to coincide with this year’s International Women’s Day (8 March), the guide provides information, education and practical advice for line managers, as well as for anyone going through menopause or supporting someone going through it.
According to the employer, it introduced the guide as employee wellbeing, diversity and inclusion are priority topics, with menopause coming under both areas, and it is looking to continuously improve upon these. It also said it wanted to empower staff going through menopause to be able to talk about it and seek the help they need.
Two years ago, the business launched an information page on its benefits website, which includes a video designed to educate employees on the topic. Since then, support, information and interest have been gradually growing and senior leadership noticed that the need for greater education had become more apparent.
Debbie Fennell, senior benefit manager at DHL Supply Chain UK and Ireland, explained that the guide gives everyone a starting point for a conversation, a place to turn to for information and guidance, and a way to start breaking down stigma and embarrassment around the subject.
She commented that, in a business which is predominately male, DHL took the view that menopause was not a female problem but a natural stage that all women go through, which can affect both work and personal life, and therefore all employees regardless of gender or age need to understand it.
“The feedback has been extremely positive; many employees both male and female have thanked us for the guide, expressed their relief that it’s no longer a taboo subject and said how delighted they are to see DHL taking such a positive step,” Fennell said.
