Having recently created a menopause action plan, aligned to the principles of the Menopause Workplace Pledge, of which it is a signatory, DWF is committed to normalising conversations and requests for support on this topic.
The menopause support policy underpins actions the business has already taken to address menopause and support those in the workplace, including the creation of a Menopause Hub on the DWF intranet as a central point for support resources, hosting regular webinars and Coffee & Chat sessions and the introduction of a Menopause Plan as part of the employee benefits programme.
Features of the policy include information on:
- What menopause is.
- How menopause can impact individuals in the workplace.
- Details of support available including the Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause group, and information on workplace adjustments.
The policy was created in collaboration with ten volunteers from the DWF Menopause Group, external D&I partners and members of DWF's LGBT+ Employee network to ensure that it is effective in supporting those experiencing menopause symptoms, that it incorporates best practice and that it is inclusive of all gender identities. To accompany this, DWF has also created a managers guide providing advice on how to start discussions about menopause in the workplace and support colleagues.
DWF Group Plc CEO, Sir Nigel Knowles, says: "We understand that for some colleagues menopause can present a number of challenges that can impact work life and personal life. Through the actions we have taken we hope to raise awareness of menopause as a workplace issue, make it easier for impacted individuals to access support and assist colleagues in helping one another by encouraging open discussions across the business".
DWF Global Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Tamsin McCarthy says: 'External research earlier this year showed that 1 in 10 women in the UK have even left work because of menopause symptoms. I am so proud of the work DWF and its colleagues are undertaking to support menopause in the workplace and create an open environment where colleagues can, where necessary, seek the support that is right for them".
As part of its action plan, DWF will look at the implementation of additional employee benefits related to menopause, launch a feedback channel where colleagues can request additional support, and create more content to assist managers in conversations on menopause.
