HSBC has introduced a new menopause policy as part of its commitment to employee wellbeing.
The bank formally implemented the initiative in July across its offices in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man – where it employs around 900 staff – to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for its workforce.
Recognising that women going through the menopause may need extra considerations and adjustments at work, HSBC is also launching a menopause awareness course to help increase understanding of the issue and further break the taboo around discussing it.
The moves follow the signing of the ‘51 Employers Pledge’ by HSBC Channel Islands and Isle of Man at the end of 2022, which was the start of a series of actions by the bank to ensure that staff experiencing the menopause felt included, supported and understood.
In May this year, employees in Jersey also attended a workshop in May led by an expert which allowed them to experience what the menopause feels like with the help of the ‘Menovest’ device which simulates hot flushes.
Elvina Aghajanyan, head of HR, HSBC Channel Islands and Isle of Man, said: “We are absolutely committed to developing a workplace culture that supports colleagues experiencing the menopause in order for them to feel confident to raise issues about their symptoms and ask for reasonable adjustments in the workplace. I’m really pleased that we can now officially introduce our new policy, which will help raise awareness, encourage open conversations and provide educational opportunities for all our colleagues around the menopause, all of which will ultimately create an inclusive and supportive environment.”
In July 2021, HSBC UK was among one of the first employers in the UK to gain menopause friendly accreditation.
