New data has revealed that only 25% of businesses have a menopause policy, despite 43% reporting that female employees have faced difficulties because of the condition. Of the 25% which had implemented a policy, 75% felt that it had had a positive impact.
The survey was carried out by law firm Debenhams Ottaway, in collaboration with the Hertfordshire branch of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Prior to 2021, only 18% had read or come across a menopause policy, and 32% reported encountering negativity or resistance to implementing one, or providing other supportive measures.
More than three-quarters (78%) of those businesses that have implemented additional measures think it has had a positive impact, 73% said menopause champions were a good idea, and 40% had taken specific measures to encourage men to understand the menopause and the impact on female employees in the workplace.
Michael Kerrigan, senior employment lawyer at Debenhams Ottaway, explained that while awareness has been raised, more needs to be done to change the mindsets of many businesses and to provide greater support for women in the workplace, as providing the right assistance is critical to business success in terms of retaining key senior female talent.
He added: “It is refreshing to see that menopause is being talked about more widely in the workplace. A lot of progress has been made by businesses to help women who are impacted by menopause at work, but a lot of women still don’t feel supported in the workplace.
“The number of employment tribunals citing menopause is on the rise so it’s clear that there is still much more work to be done, particularly in the workplace. Until more companies are proactive in providing this support, they will be vulnerable to employment claims against them.”