Why have a Menopause Policy?
At NICVA, we value the contribution of all our staff and recognise that many of them are experiencing or may experience symptoms of the menopause during their employment with us. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment, where colleagues can openly and comfortably have conversations at work about the menopause.
We have put the Menopause Policy in place to support this and to outline options available to help those experiencing menopausal symptoms. Developing this policy has been a really positive experience and we would encourage others to consider this as a valuable workplace policy which fits well with overall strategies to support the health and wellbeing of our people, who are our most valuable asset.
You can read more about NICVA's approach to supporting employee wellbeing here.
What other support can be provided to staff?
Every organisation will differ, but we put together a suite of options, noted below, to support staff in work affected by the menopause.
We kicked off the year with an insightful session called 'Menopause Mindset' run by a Menopause Consultant and Coach. We opened this up to all staff to provide information to anyone who may be interested which included staff, line managers, partners etc. The session provided us with facts, guidance and coping strategies and importantly a safe space to have an honest conversation with colleagues about the menopause and we hope this will continue at NICVA.
Supportive options for inclusion/consideration in your policy may include the following:
- hold support/information sessions for staff
- review of seating, by windows/away from radiators
- floor / desk fans
- allow time for supportive conversations
- review workstation set ups
- consideration of breaks in the working day
- flexibility with start and finish times
- home working
- outdoor walking meetings
- occupational health
- provision of menopause/period products
- ready access to drinking water
- employee assistance programme
- flexible working policy
- Menopause Champion
What are we most proud of?
As part of this policy we are delighted to include Susan Glass as our Menopause Champion in NICVA. Susan has received training in Menopause in the Workplace and will provide a vital role supporting colleagues, providing signposting to both staff and line managers to sources of information, providing a listening ear and keeping us all up to date on latest learnings she gains on how we can best support those affected by the menopause. Of being NICVA's Menopause Champion Susan said,
"I am delighted to take up the role of Menopause Champion for NICVA. It is so important that women at work know that there is support available if they need it. And a listening ear can mean so much - knowing they are not alone on their menopause journey."
Further sources of information, resources and support
The LRA (Labour Relations Agency), ECNI (Equality Commission for NI) and NICICTU (NI Congress of Trade Unions) have put together a helpful information and resource pack called 'Promoting Equality in Employment for Women affected by Menopause' which employers can use to develop their own methods of supporting staff experiencing menopause symptoms at work. The guide also includes links to other organisations and sources of information some of which are included below:
If you are thinking about drafting a menopause policy and wish to get in touch with us, please do so via our support form here.