Quilter

Wealth management business Quilter has launched a menopause and gynaecological policy and guide, to support employees experiencing menopausal symptoms or other gynaecological health issues.

According to the firm, which employs 3,900 members of staff, the policy and guide signal its commitment to supporting people transitioning through the menopause. It aims to educate and inform employees about what the menopause is, provide guidance on how managers can support people who are experiencing it, and establish an open, compassionate and positive environment to facilitate conversations around the subject.

The initiative, which offers guidance to managers on how they can deliver the right support in the workplace, applies to all gynaecological health conditions. It provides employees with paid time off for medical appointments, £500 private medical insurance (PMI) benefit which includes cash reimbursement toward consultations with a specialist, diagnostic tests and hormone therapy treatments, and bone density screening.

Tosin James-Odukoya, head of inclusion, diversity and talent acquisition at Quilter, commented that the business wants to do all it can to support employees going through the menopause, by offering a supportive policy and detailed guidance, which fosters open conversations with staff. In addition, she explained that Quilter aims to help raise awareness of some of the common experiences during the menopause, give practical support and resources to employees, and ensure managers are well informed.

“There is no reason for the menopause, or anything related to women’s health, to be taboo or carry stigma," she said. "While flexible working can make a real difference, we also want to ensure colleagues are not penalised for taking time off if it's down to a natural biological process like the menopause. This is about prioritising the health and wellbeing of people and supporting a diverse workforce.

“We’ve learnt that even small things like making it easy for colleagues to request desk fans go a long way. Furthermore, creating menopause friendly workplaces puts employers in a much better position to retain valuable skills and talent."