Menopause In The Workplace: Policies And Progress

#WorldMenopauseDay on October 18th is dedicated to raising awareness about menopause and supporting the health and well-being of women experiencing this phase of life. Ahead of the day, we look at the policies driving progress on menopause at work, and where there's still work to do.

Companies with Menopause Policies

A growing number of UK companies have introduced menopause policies to support employees experiencing menopause symptoms, as awareness of the challenges faced by menopausal women in the workplace increases. Here are some notable companies with menopause policies:

• Channel 4: One of the first UK broadcasters to launch a dedicated menopause policy, aiming to support employees experiencing menopausal symptoms and provide guidance for line managers. Channel 4 has published its menopause policy to help other organisations do the same.
• Vodafone: Has a menopause support policy in place, committing to provide resources and support across its offices in Europe and Africa.
• Diageo: The multinational drinks company introduced guidelines titled "Thriving Through Menopause," offering access to counselling, mindfulness sessions, and increased flexibility in work hours and sick leave.
• Santander: Has a comprehensive menopause policy, incorporating the Peppy app for employees to access expert support, alongside awareness sessions to foster open discussions about menopause in the workplace.
• Boots: Provides an employee assistance programme that includes menopause-specific information and support, including cover for the cost of HRT prescriptions for eligible employees.
• Timpson: One of the first UK companies to adopt a proactive approach to menopause in the workplace, offering various employee support measures, including the ability to pay for HRT via expenses.

In the US, companies like Genentech, Adobe, Nvidia, Bank of America and Bristol Myers Squibb have rolled out employee benefits to support women going through menopause.

Read more: Menopause speakers | Elevate the conversation

Impact and Importance of Menopause Policies

Implementing these policies is driven by the recognition that menopause can significantly impact women's work performance and overall well-being. Research indicates that a substantial number of women consider leaving their jobs due to menopause symptoms, which can include anxiety, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances. By creating supportive environments, these companies aim to retain talent and promote inclusivity, ultimately benefiting their organisational culture and productivity.

The British Standards Institution (BSI) has released BS 30416, Menstruation, Menstrual Health and Menopause in the Workplace, the world's first British Standard on menstrual and menopausal health. This standard is aimed at managers, HR professionals, OH&S, wellbeing, and diversity and inclusion specialists.

The Menopause Workplace Pledge campaign aims to raise awareness of the impact of menopause in the workplace, in response to estimates that around 1 million women have left their jobs due to menopause-related difficulties. Thousands of employers, including well-known organisations such as the BBC, Tesco, and Royal Mail, have already signed the pledge (figures correct as of publication — check the Wellbeing of Women site for the current employer count).

The increasing adoption of menopause policies reflects a wider societal shift towards addressing women's health at work. As more companies recognise the importance of supporting employees through menopause, this progress should lead to better workplace environments and improved employee retention.

Menopause Speakers for Your Organisation

Meet our roster of knowledgeable menopause speakers specialising in perimenopause, menopause, and women's health. Their presentations are valuable for everyone, regardless of gender or age, offering insight into what women's partners, friends, and colleagues may be experiencing. Booking a menopause speaker for your business can help raise awareness and provide expert insights that support the development and implementation of inclusive workplace policies.

Kathryn Pinkham

As the founder of The Insomnia Clinic, Kathryn specialises in the sleep disturbances caused by menopause, using a proven cognitive behavioural therapy programme. As the UK's only sleep expert focusing on menopause, her insights are both practical and transformative for audiences seeking to improve sleep quality during this life phase.

PepTalk Fact: Kathryn's programme is an NHS-recommended method for managing sleep disruptions during menopause 🛌

Learn more and book Kathryn Pinkham →

Elizabeth Joseph

A standout speaker on perimenopause, a crucial and often overlooked phase that precedes menopause. As a midlife influencer and classic model, Elizabeth brings a fresh perspective, challenging stereotypes and encouraging women to embrace their "second act" through podcasts, articles, and menopause keynotes.

PepTalk Fact: Elizabeth's work has been featured on the podcast "The Menopause Mindset" 🎤️

Learn more and book Elizabeth Joseph →

Dr Angela Sharma

A leading expert in menopause care, ideal for discussions on perimenopause and menopause in the workplace. With over 22 years as a GP and menopause specialist, Dr Angela combines medical expertise with a compassionate approach, including advanced training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for menopause and sexual medicine, and active involvement with the British Menopause Society.

PepTalk Fact: Angela sits on the British Menopause Society's medical advisory board council 👩‍⚕️

Learn more and book Dr Angela Sharma →

Davina McCall

A dynamic speaker choice for discussing menopause, bringing her celebrity platform to raise awareness and break taboos. Davina has shared her personal experience with menopause in the documentary Davina McCall: Sex, Myths and the Menopause, and her openness helps organisations start conversations about menopause and build a more understanding, supportive environment.

PepTalk Fact: Davina's documentary sparked widespread public discussion, making her a powerful advocate for breaking the silence on menopause 🎬

Learn more and book Davina McCall →

Pamella Onoriode

A transformative speaker on menopause, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of menstrual cycle awareness and career advancement. As founder of Boss Your Career, Pamella helps women understand and leverage their menstrual cycles to optimise professional performance, drawing on her background as a media professional and certified self-care activist.

PepTalk Fact: Pamella is on a mission to empower one billion women through menstrual cycle awareness 🚀

Learn more and book Pamella Onoriode →

Nicki Williams

A highly regarded speaker on hormone health and natural solutions for managing menopause symptoms. After personally overcoming hormone imbalances, Nicki founded Happy Hormones for Life, helping thousands of women improve their health through dietary and lifestyle changes, with practical, evidence-based advice for workplaces supporting staff through menopause.

PepTalk Fact: Nicki is an award-winning nutritionist and has authored several books on hormone health 🍏

Learn more and book Nicki Williams →

Sinead Sharkey-Steenson

A powerful speaker on the talent drain caused by menopause in the workplace. Her TEDx Talk, "Menopause: Smashing the Last Glass Ceiling," reflects her mission to provide practical solutions that help women thrive in their careers during menopause, drawing on over 20 years of leadership and coaching experience.

PepTalk Fact: Sinead has coached and trained thousands of women to enhance their career impact 💪

Learn more and book Sinead Sharkey-Steenson →

Lauren Chiren

A leading voice on menopause in the workplace, ideal for businesses looking to create inclusive environments. As founder of Women of a Certain Stage, Lauren educates employers on supporting employees through menopause to retain and nurture talent, drawing on a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, plus senior executive experience and contributions to the UK government's inquiry into menopause.

PepTalk Fact: Lauren contributed to the UK government's inquiry into menopause in the workplace, underscoring her expertise and commitment 🏛️

Learn more and book Lauren Chiren →

What to read next

• For foundational menopause education, start with Navigating Menopause: Wellness And Support
• To implement these policies through expert-led sessions, see Top Menopause Speakers for Workplace Wellbeing Events
• For board-level menopause policy presentations, explore Women's Health & Menopause Speakers for Corporate Events

💡 Ready to open up or continue the menopause conversation in your workplace? Don't miss out on engaging an expert speaker for World Menopause Day. Let us know, and we'll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it's always a good time to get a PepTalk!