Charities RMBI Care and The Masonic Charitable Foundation have been accredited as menopause-friendly employers as part of their aim to look after staff and their wellbeing.
Established by Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, the accreditation recognises high standards and practices that embrace menopause in the workplace. Employers are assessed by a panel in terms of their evidence of effectiveness in culture, policies and practices, training, engagement, facilities and evaluation.
The charities received accreditation as a result of their menopause policy, which is supported with line manager guidance and training, and the provision of wellbeing baskets that included leaflets, menstruation products, deodorant, moisturiser and skin products targeted for those experiencing the menopause, cooling spray, intimate washes and wipes, and sanitary wipes. It also had the menopause as the focal point for its Learning at Work Week, which increased engagement in the topic.
According to the employers, gaining accreditation was an important step in doing the right thing by the workforce, and also being recognised as employers of choice, as 84% of employees are female, many of whom are either currently experiencing the menopause or will do in the future.
Louise Bateman, group human resources director at RMBI Care, said: “Our staff are our biggest asset, so we are always looking at how we can support their health and wellbeing. We wanted to create a culture where menopause can be openly discussed and not treated as a taboo subject. This means everyone feeling comfortable in conversations, understanding how they may be affected themselves and the impact menopause may have on their colleagues and families.
“We want them to be empowered; to feel they can access medical and other support whenever they have a need. Employees have told us that they now feel strong enough to respond to health professionals and seek better support. We have seen confidence grow among staff to talk openly about menopause and the challenges they are facing while feeling reassured that help and support are in place.”