London-based law firm Kingsley Napley has announced that it has signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge, which is run by the charity Wellbeing of Women.
The firm is currently the only London law firm on the charity’s employer list.
By signing the pledge, which is supported by the Duchess of Wessex, Kingsley Napley has committed to recognising that the menopause is an issue in the workplace and women need help; to talk openly, positively and respectfully about the menopause, and actively support and inform employees and partners affected by the condition.
The pledge will help the employer in assisting affected staff, help to increase staff retention, reduce recruitment costs, improve productivity and wellbeing, and ensure it has a more diverse workforce.
Kingsley Napley’s managing partner Linda Woolley commented that the firm has long been female-friendly, with women currently making up 55% of the partnership and 70% of its overall population, and strongly believes in supporting women of all ages in the workforce, not only via direct support but also by encouraging others in the community to be supportive.
She explained that the organisation recently held a menopause awareness workshop, offered one-to-one sessions with a specialist, and will continue to champion workplace menopause issues, recognising the importance of support and dialogue for those affected as well as education of the wider firm population and clients.
“As well as offering flexible working arrangements, enhanced shared parental leave and a full and varied wellbeing programme, we were recently the first law firm to announce special leave for pregnancy loss. [The] menopause pledge puts us at the forefront of employers who positively support women experiencing challenges of a different kind. I am proud that Kingsley Napley is part of this important new initiative,” Woolley said.