This week’s very public signing of The Menopause Workplace Pledge by The Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle on behalf of the House of Commons was welcome news, reinforcing the importance of businesses becoming menopause friendly.
Signing The Menopause Workplace Pledge is a great start. However, because it doesn’t include training, solutions or expert support, it will only take employers part way to becoming a menopause friendly workplace, believes Deborah Garlick, founder of www.menopausefriendly.co.uk
“We were delighted to see the House of Commons sign the Wellbeing of Women’s Menopause Workplace Pledge and hope this will encourage many other employers and organisations to follow their example,” says Deborah. “Wellbeing of Women is our charity partner and we work closely together. The next step for responsible employers after signing the Menopause Workplace Pledge, should be to commit more fully to being a Menopause Friendly Employer by educating employees, training colleagues as menopause advocates and putting policies in place.”
Organisations which achieve the standards required by an independent panel are then recognised and awarded with Menopause Friendly Accreditation. And it is this badge that really marks employers out as having gone beyond making a promise with the pledge to making a commitment to accreditation to bring lasting and positive change in their workplace.
“It is wonderful to see so many organisations, MPs, high profile individuals and business leaders getting behind menopause in the workplace and I’m confident that this combined effort will see the change we all want,” continues Deborah.
As well as providing a supportive, reassuring and understanding workplace environment, Menopause Friendly Accreditation will help employers safeguard against the rising tide of workplace tribunals that cite menopause as a factor.
“Working towards and achieving Menopause Friendly Accreditation is the best defence against tribunals as it gives employers a high level of training and support alongside a robust set of tools to support people as they work through their menopause,” says Deborah.
Over 200 businesses have so far signed up for Menopause Friendly Accreditation membership. These range from very small organisations, such as Huddersfield Town Football Club, to international banking groups including HSBC UK and Santander. Deborah is working with numerous local councils and NHS trusts and her members also include charities, such as the Alzheimer’s Society, and retailers of all sizes ranging from DFS to Sainsbury’s, Boots and the John Lewis Partnership.
