- Date: 18/10/2022
Recent menopause research* shows 18% of women had considered leaving their jobs because of their symptoms. 70% taking leave due to their symptoms didn’t tell their employer the real reason why and 73% felt they couldn’t talk about their symptoms openly.
With 59% of our workforce women aged 40-60 years old, we realised more menopause support was needed. External support via our healthcare provider had been available for many years but we felt more could be done.
After listening to women across the organisation we increased our menopause support beginning with freshen-up packs. 73% of menopausal women will experience hot flushes so having free, easy to reach products like fresh wipes, deodorant and body spray is needed. We also included sanitary products for those experiencing unsettled cycles too.
Communications Team members Laura and Rachel with the freshen up packs.
Quality and Performance Administrator Tammie says the packs had been a ‘beacon in a time that can be a dark and isolating time for women’. She explains: “They provide meaningful support at an appropriate place and time. I have never come across such levels of consideration for something that can affect many women adversely, making Honeycomb Group genuinely forward thinking and a leader in the field.”
HR Business Partner Zoe, who led the project, explains: “It really is great to see so many people benefiting from our recently introduced menopause packs.
We have received some really positive feedback and it’s great to hear how something as small as a freshen-up wipe or spray of deodorant can help provide some practical help and assistance.
The packs have also helped start conversations about the menopause and get people talking openly which we feel has benefited people across the group.”
HR Business Partner Zoe.
To mark World Menopause Day, a coffee morning to encourage people to come together and talk openly about menopause will take place. We hope this will help break the stigma surrounding menopause and help people across the organisation find the right support for them.
Here at Honeycomb Group, we believe in the strength of our individuals. We cannot thrive unless everybody feels confident, connected and secure. We will continue to expand our support, reduce stigma and raise awareness, to empower women across our Group experiencing the menopause.
*People Management, 2019 (https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1743988/how-to-manage-the-menopause-at-work)