Manchester City Council has received menopause-friendly employer accreditation as part of its commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace.
The accreditation, awarded by Menopause Friendly UK, recognises organisations that embed menopause support into their culture and practices. This includes providing education for managers and creating open conversations around menopause.
The council was recognised by its implementation of comprehensive policies, training and resources, to ensure that employees experiencing menopause feel understood and supported. Over the past three years, it has introduced a Menopause and Me peer group, flexible working, menopause-specific cognitive behavioural therapy, and workplace adjustments.
It has engaged staff with the topic through LinkedIn campaigns and internal forums to amplify voices and break stigma. More than 2,500 staff have completed menopause awareness training and hundreds have attended learning sessions, with male employees openly sharing their experiences and championing allyship.
Additionally, the council works with NHS Greater Manchester to deliver the Winning Hearts and Minds hub in Harpurhey, North Manchester. The hub provides a safe space for women to talk about perimenopause and menopause, discussing subjects such as brain fog.
Councillor Becky Chambers, deputy executive member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care, said: “We know that there is a stigma around talking about the menopause and becoming an accredited menopause-friendly employer is a commitment to people working in Manchester City Council that they are seen, they are understood and we have a workplace culture that makes sure managers and leaders are equipped to support them.
“There should be no taboo about the menopause and women should feel able to ask for help in their own workplace. The council’s aim is to make Manchester a menopause-friendly city and being an accredited employer is one way we are doing this. By raising the profile and creating a platform for conversation, women going through the menopause can be confident that we have a system in place that provides adjustments and help if they need it.”
