Banking organsiation Santander, Department for Education and Thames Valley Police were recognised at the 2023 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards.
Hosted by Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace and sponsored by HSBC UK, First Direct, Marks and Spencer Bank and Peppy, the awards were presented by broadcaster Louise Minchin last week.
Now in its second year, the awards recognise organisations and individuals who have committed to provide support, solutions and resources to normalise menopause in the workplace.
Thames Valley Police won the Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year award, with Santander scooping the Most Open Workplace prize and Department for Education taking home the Best Engagement Campaign accolade.
Other award winners include BT Group for Best Training Initiative, QVC for Most Menopause Friendly Environment and Marine Management Organisation for Small Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year.
Deborah Garlick, chief executive officer of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, said: “I was delighted to hear from the Menopause Friendly Independent Panel that not only was the standard exceptionally high, but the creativity, energy and commitment from employers was outstanding.
“The panel was looking particularly for the impact achieved within the workplace. This reinforces the point that just having a policy in place is not enough and it’s only through action and continued commitment that impact will be felt and the lived experience of menopause in the workplace changed for good.”
Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, added: “It takes action, commitment and often a great deal of courage to step up to change the lived experience of menopause in the workplace. The Menopause Friendly member organisations commit to sharing their insight and best practice with other employers. I would urge any business that doesn’t yet have a successful workplace strategy in place to get in touch and learn from others to fast-track becoming a menopause-friendly employer.”