Sprouts Group Newsletter

Menopause is Trending

Big businesses to SMEs, every week heralds the launch of a new company menopause policy. We even had the promise of a “world-leading menopause policy” from Sadiq Khan during his recent mayoral electoral campaign.

But a menopause policy isn’t currently a legal requirement so why create one?

Having a policy can start a conversation, can provide a framework and a starting point but it is often not the most effective way to truly embed what the aim of the policy was, to create a positive and inclusive workplace.

To do this you can follow these steps;

ENGAGE with your stakeholders at the start to ensure you deliver what people actually need so that everyone can continue to work to the best of their ability.

DON’T underestimate the importance of sharing stories and experiences to create a sense of belonging and to normalise the topic

RUN collaborative and educational sessions for managers to reduce knowledge gaps, meet legal requirements and reduce any feelings of awkwardness.

PROVIDE support for all staff, not just those experiencing symptoms. Living with someone who’s not sleeping, battling brain fog, and wants all the windows open when you want them closed has a significant impact too

CONSIDER a guidance document rather than policy that can be revised quickly to respond to updated thinking and work patterns such as a post-Covid shift to a blended working approach.

MEASURE and track successes and identify areas for improvement. Are the menopause tools, resources, network and training opportunities you’re offering appropriate for all staff whatever their role, gender or beliefs?

Don’t just focus on a policy, ask yourself where and how menopause sits in your company’s return to work planning framework.

menopause

"’’I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions."

Monthly Awareness Days

You may wish to highlight this by putting posters up in staff break rooms or your office.

You may also wish to review your No Smoking policy to ensure its sufficient.

If you are a Level 2 or 3 hub member, why not take a lot at our documents or ask for a template No Smoking policy? More information HERE.

Back Care Awareness Week

4th October – 10th October.

This is a great opportunity to make sure that everyone appreciates the importance of manual handling and how to sit correctly at a desk.

Resources around this can be found at https://backcare.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/BackCare-40-tips-to-healthy-back.pdf

Looking for a course? Find our courses on Manual Handling and Health and Safety HERE.

Quote Oct10 for a 10% discount for any courses booked in October.

National Work Life Week

11th October – 17th October

This focuses on flexibility and well-being in the work place.  If you need help with your policies around flexibility, have a look at your online downloadable policies documents or contact us to see how we can help you.

The below external resources will also allow you to download an employer toolkit.

Working Families | National Work Life Week – Working Families

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