Menopause in the workplace – let’s talk about it
Coping with menopausal symptoms at work can be tough and some women are, understandably, reluctant or even afraid to talk to their employer about it.
With around 3.5 million women aged between 15 and 65 years currently in employment in the UK, women now represent nearly a half of the UK labour force. That surely makes menopause mainstream and as important as any other occupational health issue.
We're therefore aiming to raise awareness of the menopause and ensure that all staff feel supported at work.
As part of World Menopause Day 2021, Kerri Robson (People Services Manager) was pleased to announce the introduction of:
- The Lincoln College Group Menopause Support Hub
- Regular Menopause Cafes
- Workplace Menopause Champions
- Wellbeing of Women Workplace Menopause Pledge
Lincoln College Group Menopause Support Hub
The Lincoln College Group Menopause Support Hub is a dedicated site for menopause support.
The purpose of the site is to provide a wealth of information, which will assist with creating an open and honest workplace where line managers and employees can discuss any issues associated with the menopause and to ensure the necessary support is known and offered to employees when needed.
Employees can access the site via the following link - Menopause Support Hub
Regular Menopause Cafes
A Menopause Cafe is an informal discussion with no pre-set agenda, where the topics are chosen by the participants on the day and support is offered by fellow colleagues who have gone through/are experiencing similar issues. Sessions are advertised to employees via Workplace.
Workplace Menopause Champions
Our Menopause Champions help to support colleagues affected by the menopause. Our Champions can act as a first point of contact if staff need advice, or someone to initially talk to if they are not comfortable talking to their managers. Employees of The Lincoln College Group can find out more information about our Workplace Menopause Champions on the LCG Menopause Support Hub.
Employees of the Lincoln College Group can contact Kerri Robson (People Services Manager) if they would like to become a Menopause Champion, and offer support to colleagues across the organisation.
Wellbeing of Women Workplace Menopause Pledge
To further demonstrate our commitment to supporting employees and raising awareness, we've signed the Wellbeing of Women Workplace Menopause Pledge.
In signing the pledge, which was launched in October 2021 by Wellbeing of Women, we have committed to:
- Recognising that the menopause can be an issue in the workplace and women need support
- Talking openly, positively and respectfully about the menopause
- Actively supporting and informing our employees affected by the menopause
