Financial services software provider Phoebus Software Limited (PSL) has introduced a menopause wellbeing policy for its more than 100 employees, 30% of whom are female.
By raising awareness within the firm, Phoebus said it hopes to encourage women to seek the support they need, while feeling comfortable to openly discuss any concerns or issues around the menopause. The policy also applies to those employees, including men, whose partners may be suffering from the menopause, and who want to understand how they can help.
The business has committed to providing support to reduce the difficulties that can be caused at work. This might include temperature adjustments, flexible working, the ability to take more frequent breaks, or changes to work allocation.
Phoebus Software also provides access to an independent occupational health adviser so that employees can seek medical advice and better understand what adjustments might be best to alleviate their symptoms. It also has an employee assistance programme (EAP) in place to support employees' physical and mental health.
The menopause policy has been added to the business' package of existing employee benefits, which include a private healthcare scheme, life assurance at four-times salary, bikes-for-work and electric car schemes, and onsite perks including free personal training and free drinks and snacks.
Kate Langton, chief people officer at Phoebus Software Limited, said: “The wellbeing of everyone in PSL is extremely important and as an employer we want to provide the right level of support for each individual. By being open about the menopause, raising awareness and encouraging people to speak about it we hope to remove any stigma attached to it.
“This is a new policy for us and the reaction from colleagues has been very positive. The next step is to provide an awareness session to bring the policy to life.”
