- Signs Menopause Working Pledge
- Becomes a Level Two Accredited Disability Confident Employer
Health Shield Friendly Society has signed the Menopause Working Pledge. This commitment underscores their dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all employees, especially those affected by the menopause and their partners.
Menopause can bring about various physical and emotional changes, and symptoms can significantly impact a woman’s daily life, including work and overall wellbeing. Research has revealed that 90% of women experience menopause symptoms and 10% end up leaving their job because of them*.
There are many symptoms associated with menopause and perimenopause, the period leading up to the menopause beginning. These can last for a decade or more. Each woman’s journey is different and to support all women through their period of their live, The Menopause Working Pledge ensures each female employee feels empowered to ask for help if they need it.
Health Shield has also become accredited as a Disability Confident Employer Level 2 under the UK government scheme which identifies employers committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Disability Confident organisations play a leading role in changing attitudes for the better, the accreditation also helps highlight those organisations that are committed to inclusion and diversity in the workplace. The scheme helps employers recruit and retain great people, and to:
- challenge attitudes and increase understanding of disability
- draw from the widest possible pool of talent
- secure high-quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working
- improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating fair treatment
Isabella Walker, Head of HR at Health Shield commented: “These are important steps forward and form part of our central pledge to help people, be it our members or our employees, lead healthy, happy lives.
By signing the Menopause Working Pledge, we aim to raise awareness and educate our team on the menopause, creating greater understanding and reducing stigma across the entire workforce. To do this, it is vital that all employees understand what the menopause is and how it may affect individuals. We’ll provide support for those who are experiencing menopausal symptoms and implement policies that accommodate the needs of affected employees to make them feel both understood and valued.
Our Disability Confident Employer Level 2 accreditation shows that we believe in creating an all-inclusive environment where everyone can contribute and succeed. We look forward to continuing this journey, creating a positive, supportive workplace where anyone can thrive.”