Greater Manchester-headquartered retailer AO has become an endometriosis-friendly employer as part of a pledge to support employees who are impacted by endometriosis.
Through the endometriosis-friendly employer scheme, which is run by charity Endometriosis UK, the organisation will improve its support for its 3,000 employees, as well as breaking down taboos and stigmas around menstrual health.
AO will appoint endometriosis champions via its women’s health group, who will receive training from Endometriosis UK so they can provide support and information to the organisation’s workforce.
Employees will also be able to access a range of resources on managing the condition, their rights at work, and personal stories. The charity additionally offers resources for employers on best practice, the law and bespoke training on how to best to support staff.
Alison Hushon, group HR director at AO, said: “We’re delighted to join the endometriosis-friendly employer scheme to ensure we can start to better understand and support those in the workplace with endometriosis, as well as break down taboos about menstrual health. We look forward to working with Endometriosis UK and hope that we’ll inspire other online retailers to joining the scheme as well.”
Emma Cox, chief executive officer of Endometriosis UK, added: “I’m delighted to welcome AO to the diverse range of organisations tackling taboos around menstrual health and endometriosis through the endometriosis-friendly employer scheme. By showing its team that they are valued and can expect support and reasonable adjustments to help those with endometriosis and menstrual conditions succeed at work, they will be increasing engagement across the whole of their workforce, ultimately making the organisation more successful.”
