Conference calls on businesses to take menopause seriously

A Nottingham-based website for women over 40 is calling for all organisations to take menopause seriously, provide the right support for their colleagues and in doing so, future proof their own businesses.

The owners of Henpicked.net say they are “passionate about bringing menopause to the forefront of conversations”, with experts joining BBC’s Woman’s Hour for their week-long focus on menopause.

The organisation is also set to host its second annual Menopause in the Workplace conference next week.

The team of experts are all long-standing professionals in their field, coming together to show companies how to successfully introduce the topic in the workplace. They include the internationally-acclaimed menopause expert Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD, the research team who wrote the Government report on the impact of menopause at work and companies who have worked with Henpicked to introduce menopause in the workplace policies and practices.

Founder Deborah Garlick said: “Any organisation that cares about its employees and the future of its business must take menopause seriously, and we make it easy for them to do this. We’re an ageing population, 1 in 3 employees are over 50 and we’re working for longer. Research tells us that 75% of women experience menopause symptoms and 25% will consider leaving work as a result.

“Why risk losing valuable employees or losing at an industrial tribunal when we know it’s easier to provide the right awareness, education and support? We had fantastic feedback following last year’s conference and are looking forward to sharing our best-practice learnings at this year’s event.”

Companies presenting include Severn Trent, E.ON, the University of Leicester and Nottinghamshire Police.

Former chief constable of Nottinghamshire Police Sue Fish said: “Making a positive difference to your employees takes leadership. Making your organisation a supportive environment for women who may be menopausal is leadership. Enabling the retention of menopausal women in the workplace is leadership.

“Helping to inform those who live with and are friends with women who may be menopausal is leadership. Failing to take action to support menopausal women or to raise awareness amongst your whole workforce are an abrogation of leadership.”

Professor Jo Brewis of the University of Leicester said: “Taking menopause seriously is the right thing to do for all UK employers. Also, the first successful employment tribunal was six years ago – the complainant had both her claims of direct sex discrimination and unfair dismissal upheld.

“And, quite apart from the legal costs of a tribunal and the reputational damage, it can cost organisations more than £39,000 to replace an employee – which could be necessary if a female employee leaves because she doesn’t feel supported at work during her menopause.”

Menopause in the Workplace is taking place on Tuesday 23 January 1-5pm at Nottingham Conference Centre.

Deborah Garlick will be joining Jenni Murray on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour today (Thursday 18 January) from 10am.