Live events business NEC Group has signed the menopause workplace pledge to mark its commitment to recognising this can be a workplace issue and to commemorate World Menopause Day (18 October).
Established by women’s health charity Wellbeing of Women, the pledge encourages organisations to take positive action to ensure everyone going through the menopause is supported and to talk openly, positively and respectfully about the condition.
The group decided to sign the pledge because it wanted to support employees who are experiencing the condition, as more than half (54%) of its workforce are women.
It acknowledges that many women can feel forced to reduce their hours at work, pass up promotions and quit their jobs due to lack of menopause support, and it aims to mitigate this by actively supporting and informing employees and encouraging an inclusive and values-led culture and equal opportunities for all.
The pledge is part of the group’s Better Events environmental, social and corporate governance plan. Its focus pillar, Better for everyone, was designed to make a positive impact on staff, stakeholders and local communities to ensure a proud legacy remains.
Melanie Smith CBE, chief executive officer of NEC Group said: “We are proud to sign the menopause workplace pledge. Our colleagues at the NEC Group deliver outstanding live events, enabled by our commitment to a diverse and inclusive working environment. We believe every single colleague should be able to bring their best self to work. The menopause workplace pledge will support this commitment and address some of the unique challenges faced by women in the workplace.”
Claire Bond, group HR director at NEC Group, added: “By announcing this on World Menopause Day, we want to raise awareness, break myths and highlight the support we have available to colleagues of the NEC Group. Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, and it’s crucial that we create a supportive and understanding environment for our colleagues who may be going through this significant life transition.”