Firm supports staff with menopause programme launch

Medical device manufacturer Pennine Healthcare has announced the launch of a new programme, which aims to support and educate staff about the menopause.

Recently, the firm appointed its first ‘Menopause Champion’, who is dedicated to representing women in the workplace.

Now, the company has introduced a Menopause Support Policy and a Self-Identification Guide designed to empower colleagues.

Pennine’s efforts also include stocking popular titles of menopause books and publications for loan to all employees and holding regular forums such as ‘Menopause Cafes’ where people can talk about their symptoms and seek support and reassurance from others.

Pennine have also provided support materials for managers within the company in order to align all staff in how to appropriately assist their colleagues.

The self-assessment guide allows the individuals experiencing this life change, to make sense of what’s going on, and more importantly, to ease the burden of explaining any symptoms to their manager and get the right support at work.

Laura Walsh, one of Pennine’s menopause champions, said: “Sometimes menopause symptoms or working conditions can impact your ability to carry out your role to the best of your ability.

“At Pennine, we need to ensure that we continue to deliver what we are promising – with continued support, making small adjustments to make our employee’s working lives a little better, provide information, continue to have a range of books to loan out, and start to hold regular Menopause Cafés.”