London, 13 July 2022: YGAM is pleased to sign the Menopause Workplace Pledge and commit to recognising the impact of menopause in the workplace and actively supporting colleagues who are affected.
Research has shown that 10% of women leave their jobs and many more are reducing their hours or passing up promotions because of their menopausal symptoms. For far too long, the perimenopause and menopause have been shrouded in taboo, and as a consequence, many women are left struggling with debilitating symptoms on their own.
Wellbeing of Women, in collaboration with Hello! Magazine, is calling on employers to sign the Menopause Workplace Pledge and support their colleagues going through the menopause. The campaign launched The Menopause Workplace Pledge in October 2021 and since then over 1,000 employers have signed up, covering millions of employees across the country.
Kevin Orchard, People Director at YGAM, said: “I’m pleased we have signed the pledge and that we are introducing new policies to support our employees who are affected by symptoms of the menopause. We recognise the importance of this issue and we’re pleased to join the hundreds of organisations that are responding to the national campaign. These new policies form part of our wider people strategy which recognises the importance of equality, inclusiveness, and empathy in the workplace.”
The whole YGAM team will be completing the ‘Talking Menopause’ training as part of the commitment. Our new Menopause Support Policies involve conducting risk assessments to identify areas that are detrimental to individuals going through the menopause. This will be backed up by a range of support such as allowing additional rest breaks, adjusting working environments, flexible working, and making allowances for additional needs for sickness absence.
The announcement comes after the largest survey of menopausal women in the UK last month showed that 80% of respondents said their workplace had no basic support in place.
The campaign is backed by high-profile supporters including Royal Patron HRH The Countess of Wessex, Ambassadors Baroness Karren Brady and Carol Vorderman, as well as Lord Karan Bilimoria and numerous MPs.
YGA
