Menopause in the Workplace Expands Its Impact Across UK, US, and Australia with Innovative Membership Program

Menopause Friendly, the leading menopause membership for employers dedicated to fostering workplace inclusivity and support for employees experiencing menopause, continues to expand its global footprint, with notable impacts in the UK, the US, and Australia.

Since the membership program was launched in April 2021, the organization has seen significant milestones, including having hundreds of employers join to follow the program; remarkably over 100 leading employers have achieved the Menopause Friendly Accreditation awarded by the independent panel. September sees the third annual Menopause Friendly Employer Awards hosted at Royal Lancaster London, UK. The venue is set to, once again, be filled with employers competing to be menopause-friendly employers of the year.

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Menopause Friendly Employer Award Winners, London

The organization was instrumental in setting the standard for menopause support within organizations. In the UK, where the initiative first took root, the organization’s framework has been adopted by a wide range of sectors, influencing not just national but international practices. The success of this initiative within the UK has prompted other countries to examine their own workplace policies and practices, with Australian and US employers now starting to take action, inspired by the UK’s advancements.

“The progress we’ve made in the UK serves as a springboard for other countries to ask: ‘What are we doing here?’” shares founder Deborah Garlick. “We’ve designed these standards to be adaptable across different regions, and it’s encouraging to see our UK employers paving the way worldwide.”

The decision to launch a membership program in April 2021 marked a pivotal moment for Henpicked Menopause in the Workplace. Prior to this, the organization worked closely with hundreds of individual employers, tailoring solutions to their specific needs. However, the growing demand and the recognition of the power of collaboration led to the creation of a more inclusive, community-based approach.

“Before our membership program, we were working one-on-one with organizations, shaping their objectives and guiding them through the process. But as the need grew, we realized the value of bringing these organizations together,” Deborah explains. “Instead of just helping employers individually, we could create a platform where they could also help each other.”

This collaborative approach has proven to be one of the most valuable aspects of the membership. Employers can share insights, strategies, and challenges, with Menopause Friendly’s team acting as an extension of their own, providing continuous support and resources.

One of the key benefits of the membership is the opportunity to earn the Menopause Friendly Employer Accreditation. Achieving this status is meaningful, as it involves a rigorous assessment process designed to ensure that the cultural changes within an organization are not only implemented but also sustainable.

“The accreditation is not just a tick-box exercise,” emphasizes the founder. “We appreciate that cultural change takes time, and our goal is to see these changes embedded into the organization’s fabric, ensuring that support for individuals is genuine and long-lasting.”

The support doesn’t end with accreditation. The organization provides members with resource packs at least three times a year, tailored to key times such as World Menopause Awareness Day on October 18th. These packs include materials that employers can distribute to their teams, saving them time and ensuring that they are equipped to address menopause openly and effectively.

World Menopause Day is a significant date for menopause awareness. The organization harnesses this global event to further its mission, offering members a ‘think tank’ session where they can discuss the resources provided and exchange ideas on how to implement them within their organizations.

“The sharing of ideas is a source of inspiration,” says Deborah. “Our members are unique, just as every individual experiencing menopause is unique. By coming together, they can tailor their approaches while benefiting from the collective knowledge of the community.”

The sense of community fostered by Menopause Friendly’s membership is one of its greatest strengths. Members often find themselves collaborating beyond the resources provided, creating a network of support that extends across borders.

As Menopause in the Workplace looks to the future, the organization is committed to expanding its membership further in the UK, the US, and Australia. The long-term goal is to create a global network of Menopause-Friendly Employers, united by their commitment to inclusivity and employee well-being. “We’re seeing more and more employers worldwide recognizing the importance of addressing menopause in the workplace,” Deborah notes. “This is just the beginning. Our passion for this cause drives us to continue growing our membership and supporting organizations worldwide.”