Food supplier Avara Foods has become an accredited menopause-friendly employer as part of its ongoing commitment to workplace inclusivity and its people-centric culture.
The accreditation, which was established by Henpicked, involves employers being assessed by an independent panel on their effectiveness across the areas of culture, policies and practices, training, engagement and working environment.
Avara Foods was recognised due to its menopause mission statement, which is: ‘to be a leading employer in supporting colleagues with the menopause through a supportive and inclusive culture, creating a safe place to talk, to care and to understand’.
As part of a two-year journey to receive accreditation, teams and individuals across the organisation worked to achieve this by sharing their experiences, offering insight and understanding, and supporting others through a network of menopause champions.
It acknowledged that many have silently struggled in the workplace due to the menopause, because symptoms can have a significant physical and mental impact, so it aimed to build a shared understanding for both men and women, and create a safe environment for all women to talk openly so they can fulfil their full potential, in and out of work.
The accreditation is also a reflection of Avara Foods’ focus on the health and wellbeing of its employees.
Andy Dawkins, chief executive officer of Avara Foods, said: “With menopause now a mainstream topic and the importance of workplaces being supportive to all employees, Avara is proud to be a part of a network of businesses that are leading change in creating a supportive and caring workplace. Recognising the menopause is an issue in the workplace for many women, it is imperative there is a strong commitment to being an employer that ensures everyone feels safe in their workplace and cares about physical and mental wellbeing.”
