Supermarket Sainsbury’s has committed to establishing a workplace menopause policy.
The retailer has partnered with GenM, which was created to encourage businesses to recognise and respond to perimenopausal and menopausal womens’ needs by co-founders Heather Jackson and Sam Simister. Its aim is to unite brands and organisations to improve the menopause experience, normalise conversations and support employees in need.
In its capacity as a partner, Sainsbury’s has agreed to GenM’s five-point pledge. This includes committing to a series of intentions such as being a voice for change and offering a better representation of menopausal women in future menopause-friendly services, signposting, campaigns, workplace policies and marketing campaigns.
Alex Jefferson, health and beauty category director at Sainsbury’s, said: “Sainsbury’s [is] proud to be joining with GenM, the menopause partner for brands. GenM is transforming the menopause through empowering brands to understand, serve and support this audience. [It is] helping to make menopause support more visible and to normalise the conversation surrounding the menopause. We are looking forward to partnering with GenM to improve the menopause experience for all.”
Sainsbury’s joins the 80 brands already on board as partners of GenM, including Boots, QVC, and Holland and Barrett.
Other employee benefits that Sainsbury’s offers to support those experiencing the menopause include an employee assistance programme, health cash plans and a variety of flexible-working options to help staff balance home and work commitments. It also provides family-friendly leave, season tickets loans, a bikes-for-work scheme, long-service awards, an annual bonus scheme and a colleague discount card.