Menopause friendly accreditation
Going through the menopause can be a hugely difficult time – and feeling supported and understood at work can be an important part of getting through this.
We're delighted that Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System (ICS) is an accredited menopause friendly organisation.
The accreditation recognises how staff experiencing or impacted by the menopause can be more open, have honest conversations with colleagues and managers, and ask for reasonable adjustments. This is supported by online sessions available for female colleagues going through the menopause, manager training, and sessions for men to help them support colleagues, friends and family.
Reflecting on the accreditation, Amanda McEvoy, workforce transformation programme manager for the ICS, said:
“The menopause can have a significant impact on people's lives. So many suffer in silence and feel like they’re alone. With a workforce that is approximately 80% female with 75% of those staff being in the age bracket for menopause (45-55), this is a huge issue for employers.
“Many staff report symptoms making them feel so bad they have considered leaving their role. These colleagues have a wealth of experience and knowledge that we could lose if they leave.
“As employers within the ICS we are committed to having an open culture when it comes to the menopause at work and have invested in making this vision possible through the training and awareness sessions as well as the staff support service recently set up.”
If you work in health and social care in Hertfordshire or west Essex, you can find out more about support available on your staff intranet.