The Government is urging employers to offer better menopause support at work as it announces the appointment of England’s first Menopause Employment Champion.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) selected Helen Tomlinson, head of talent UK and Ireland at The Adecco Group, for the independent voluntary role.
In this position, she will encourage employers to develop menopause policies and “drive awareness of issues surrounding menopause and work while promoting the benefits for businesses and the economy when women are supported to stay in work and progress”, according to the DWP.
Tomlinson said: “I have witnessed the transformational power that opening up conversations on the menopause can have in a workplace. By creating safe spaces by educating management and creating allies across workforces, women can be supported and empowered to manage their symptoms and thrive in work.”
Highlighting that under a quarter of UK organisations currently have a menopause policy, Tomlinson expressed a determination “that my generation of women in work will break the menopause taboo and have confidence that their health is valued”.
She added: “I look forward to working with women and leaders across all sectors of work to address this gap and make a difference for current and future generations.”
In the new position, Tomlinson will work closely with Mims Davies, the minister for social mobility, youth and progression.
Davies said: “Menopause is a major driver of too many women leaving the workforce early, often when they are at the peak of their skills and experience with so much more still to contribute.
“We are committed to ensuring any stigma is addressed associated with menopause and its symptoms which can vary.
“Working positively with employers is vital to ensure they can recruit and retain women experiencing menopause and stop women perhaps considering giving up their employment due to the impact.
“I look forward to working closely with Helen, to achieve our goals of driving positive workplace change to help realise the full potential of women, businesses, and the economy by assisting women at any age and career stage to be properly supported and thrive in work.”
