Socitm Advisory, a transformation partner which provides strategic advice and solutions for digital transformation and Enterprise Resource Planning, has been awarded the Menopause Friendly Accreditation. As a remote organisation, Socitm Advisory must work hard to engage and support its colleagues based in diverse locations right across the UK.
Making menopause an inclusive subject that no-one is afraid or embarrassed to talk about was the main aim of Socitm Advisory drawing up a menopause policy and working towards the Menopause Friendly Accreditation. By so doing they have given colleagues the confidence to ask for help and support as, when and if they need it.
“By getting the Menopause Friendly Accreditation we demonstrated our commitment to all colleagues,” says Emma Tickner, menopause lead at Socitm Advisory.
“Furthermore, being part of the Menopause Friendly community has given us access to a huge amount of valuable information and resources for our colleagues.
“The average age for a woman to reach menopause is 51, but symptoms can start years before,” explains Emma. “Many of our colleagues may be working with us through this transition or supporting someone who is. That’s why we have focused our efforts on achieving the Menopause Friendly Accreditation, to ensure colleagues receive and recognise our support.”
Helen Walker, Head of HR at Socitm Advisory added, “Research has shown that 10% of women leave their jobs and many more are reducing their hours or passing up promotions because of their menopause symptoms. Ensuring colleagues feel supported at work is key to the way we do things at Socitm Advisory which is why we embarked on our journey to be menopause friendly.”
The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, established by Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace, recognises high standards and proven practices that embrace menopause in the workplace. Industry-recognised, it is the only accreditation that sets clear standards which must be met. As such, it is truly meaningful and considered by many as a mark of excellence for menopause in the workplace.
In order to achieve The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, employers are assessed by an Independent Panel and must demonstrate evidence of their effectiveness in five key areas, namely: culture, policies and practices, training, engagement and working environment.
Key to Socitm Advisory’s success was creating a bespoke Menopause Policy which offered ‘security’ for colleagues to refer to and understand what support is available to them. In addition, three important elements that Socitm has implemented as part of its journey towards accreditation are:
- Training for line managers and educational workshop for all colleagues across the business.
- Establishing a dedicated team of menopause champions and trainers to support colleagues.
- Having a journey which has been as much top down as bottom up.
“Our Executive Team has been fully supportive to achieve our accreditation, talking about it publicly on platforms such as LinkedIn,” says Emma. “Our colleagues have been keen to get involved with the training and engaged in the information we share. I know the differences we have now introduced will positively support colleagues for the future.”
By providing the right support, awareness training and signposting, Socitm Advisory firmly believes it will foster an age and gender-inclusive workplace which will help them tap into the valuable skills and talent that men and women of all ages have to offer.
“Recognising that everyone needs to know about menopause, whether they are experiencing it themselves or providing vital support, has been the bedrock of the Socitm Advisory’s approach,” says Deborah Garlick, CEO & Founder of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace. “It has been an ‘all-in experience’, educating everyone and implementing training workshops for all colleagues, including the Exec Team, illustrating that it is imperative for the continued success and growth of the organisation. As a SME, Socitm Advisory stands out for its achievements and is already inspiring other public sector professionals in technology and innovation to follow its lead.”
For more information about Socitm Advisory visit www.socitmadvisory.co.uk.
