Facilities and property management, catering and food services firm Sodexo UK and Ireland has received menopause-friendly accreditation in recognition of its efforts to foster an inclusive culture.
Established by Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, the accreditation is awarded to employers who present high standards and proven practices that support the menopause. An independent panel assesses organisations based on evidence of their effectiveness in culture, policies and practices, training, engagement and working environment.
Sodexo received accreditation due to its work on raising awareness about menopause in the workplace and providing robust support for those experiencing the condition over the past few years.
It intensified its efforts and commitment to becoming a menopause-friendly employer through a comprehensive programme that includes support and awareness initiatives, working groups and menopause guidelines for managers and employees.
Additionally, it hosts internal events, such as virtual menopause cafes. These are held quarterly and cover a variety of topics including symptoms, personal experiences and male allyship, as well as featuring expert clinical advice.
Furthermore, Sodexo signed the Wellbeing of Women's menopause workplace pledge in 2022.
Raj Jones, head of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Sodexo UK and Ireland, said: “This accreditation has provided us with a robust framework to ensure all employees experiencing menopause are supported, as well as those who may not be experiencing it themselves but are supporting others inside or outside of work. It has also given us the ongoing opportunity to educate and raise awareness within the business, normalising these conversations in the workplace. We are very proud to receive this prestigious accreditation.”
Deborah Garlick, chief executive officer and founder of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, added: “Sodexo is very deserving of the menopause-friendly accreditation in recognition of its comprehensive services and support for staff. Sodexo should be very proud of the way it is changing the lived experience of menopause in the workplace.”
