Commenting on the importance of providing support for those experiencing the menopause at work, Andy Briggs, Group CEO of Phoenix Group and UK Government’s Business Champion for Older Workers and the Ageing Society said:
“A growing number of employers are becoming aware of the importance of supporting their employees who experience the menopause. This comes at a time when the over 50s portion of the labour market is growing rapidly, leading to most women experiencing the menopause during their working lives.
However, there is still a stigma around discussing the menopause at work, with 25 per cent of women having considered giving up work because of the menopause, one million women having quit the workforce because of it (i) and economic inactivity amongst those aged 50-64 near its two-year peak (ii).
World Menopause Day is an important opportunity to challenge this stigma, bring attention to how employers can provide support to their staff and enable those experiencing the menopause to stay in the workforce.
From training line managers and creating specialist support groups, to implementing policies around flexible working and pushing to normalise discussing the menopause amongst staff, there are many steps employers can take.
At Phoenix Group, we will continue to support our employees who experience the menopause, while also looking for further ways to develop the conversation around this important issue.”
