Turning thoughts into action

Delivering your menopause strategy

The menopause workplace pledge

The Menopause Workplace Pledge, launched by the Wellbeing of Women charity, has so far been signed by more than 2,700 employers, including the BBC, Tesco, and Royal Mail.

It commits employers to supporting employees who are going through the menopause, providing practical adjustments, and talking openly, positively, and respectfully about the subject.

The menopause workplace pledge

Emma Taylor, Tesco's Chief People Officer, says “In the UK alone, Tesco employs around 300,000 colleagues, more than half of which are female. We encourage open, honest, and positive conversations across our business, helping colleagues to feel confident in talking about their own health and wellbeing, and helping us to assist with any support they may need.”

Tesco have:

Introduced breathable fabrics for its in-store uniforms.
Launched a Women’s Health Guide to raise awareness and understanding about the life stages that women go through, including menopause.
Set up a Talking Menopause Colleague Café to hold spotlight sessions on different topics relating to menopause and providing an open space.
Trained their community of more than 1,000 Wellbeing Champions to better equip them with knowledge and understanding of menopause. Enabling them to have conversations in their workplace and signpost colleagues to resources.
Enhanced resources and support services available to colleagues, including free access to an Employee Assistance Programme that offers more emotional support to colleagues with access to a range of wellbeing practitioners including nutritionists, sleep therapists and exercise coaches.

Reference: “Menopause should not be a topic that is shied away from.” - Wellbeing of Women

How to deliver your menopause strategy

Once your menopause policy has been developed, communicate it out to all employees via channels such as email, staff meetings and one-to-ones.

Talk openly about the menopause and train line managers on how to have the right conversations and offer the best support.

Organise events such as workshops/awareness sessions and create an internal support group to give your employees a safe space where they can discuss their experience and offer peer support.