Today, Community recognised employer Zurich Insurance has announced a new addition to its ‘Life Stage’ policies to ensure every employee who is going through the menopause is fully supported at work.
Zurich’s new menopause policy will offer:
- Ongoing menopause training for both management and colleagues across the UK business.
- Flexibility around working hours when symptoms peak or prove particularly challenging wherever possible.
- Wherever possible, access to fans for those in the office.
- Time off to attend medical appointments using Flex Work.
- Menopause café events where colleagues can talk about their experiences with other colleagues.
- Educational resources around diet and lifestyle through the Wellbeing Hub.
- Individuals can speak to colleagues in our People Hub for guidance.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and Wellbeing 3rd party support – providing telephone support services and online menopause related resources including ‘Managing the Menopause’ toolkit.
- Access to a virtual GP service, which offers a video or telephone consultation within hours to a Dr with a specialist interest in menopause.
- Access to a team of Mental Health First Aiders who will be able to provide a supportive ear and signpost individuals to the relevant support.
Steve Collinson, Head of HR at Zurich UK said:
“Before we developed our menopause policy, we carried out extensive research across more than 100 employees through focus groups and ideation sessions. These groups incorporated, both male and female employees, to make sure we delivered an effective solution. We concluded that educating the wider business on the topic is just as vital as the support we provide for those experiencing it. It’s crucial that we create an environment which supports and normalises these stages in life by openly talking about and supporting menopause in the workplace.
We already know that so many people feel uncomfortable talking about the menopause, which sadly means that some colleagues will suffer in silence with symptoms that affect both their physical and mental health. It’s also very possible that for some they may be unaware that they are going through the transition of menopause, as indicators can be associated with other physical or mental health related ailments.”
Caroline Taylor, National Secretary at Community, says:
“Community have been working with employers towards better workplace policies on the menopause for a number of years. We are delighted that Zurich are taking this positive step and implementing a wide-reaching policy on the menopause. This policy will ensure that any of Zurich’s workforce who are experiencing the menopause know where to turn, that there is organisational understanding for their specific circumstances and that changes to their working patterns or environment to support them through this period will be accommodated.”
With almost 1,000 women at Zurich UK over the age of 45, this will impact a large number of employees at some point. Community supports workers in finance through a commitment to fairness and respect.
If you are a member of Community and need help or advice, please contact us at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.
© Community Trade Union 2024