Menopause Policy agreed for College

The College and the Joint Trade Unions (UNISON & UCU) sign a Menopause Policy to support women in the workplace, helping to ensure staff receive the appropriate help and support when experiencing the menopause. Menopause is part of the natural ageing process for women. It refers to the time when periods cease for 12 consecutive months, and this usually occurs between the ages of 48 and 55.

It affects women in different ways. Some experience hot flushes, palpitations and fatigue whilst others might experience anxiety, depression and poor concentration. Karen Dales, Hartlepool College’s Assistant Principal said: “As an employer, we are committed to improving the wellbeing of all of our staff and it is hugely important to have support measures in place for the menopause. This new policy will provide excellent support to all our employees who are experiencing the menopause. The College is undertaking a proactive approach – by doing so, women will feel more supported at work, and it is anticipated that absences due to menopausal symptoms will be reduced and valued staff will be retained.”

This move comes at a time when less than 10 per cent of businesses are believed to be currently discussing menopause in their workplace.

There are several strands to the College’s menopause policy. It includes:

• Training for line managers and awareness raising for staff to improve understanding
• An Introduction of a range of support measures, including flexible working arrangements
• A commitment to ensure excellent working conditions including good ventilation, access to chilled drinking water and sanitary facilities.

Dawn Nicholson, UNISON’s Area Organiser, said: “Many women struggle to manage their menopause symptoms at work and often suffer in silence. There has been a lack of understanding and support in the past from employers and this policy seeks to change that. The Menopause Policy that we’ve negotiated clearly outlines the practical support on offer and women will hopefully feel more confident to talk about their symptoms and ask for help when they need it.”

Jo Potts, UCU Branch Secretary, added: “Recently, there has been increased attention paid to the impact of the menopause on women and their daily lives. It has been great to have a collaborative effort between our workplace unions (UCU and Unison) as well as the college’s management team who have been responsive. As a result of this work, we now have a policy in place and staff training rolled out for senior managers to raise awareness of this issue, its impact and what can be done to help.”

While many employers are yet to address the Menopause as a workplace issue, the College and the joint trade unions are keen to ensure that menopause should not be a taboo or ‘hidden’ subject. They want everyone to be able to understand what menopause is, and to be able to talk about it openly, without embarrassment. It is not just an issue for women; men should be aware too. This policy will help to create a workplace environment where female staff members feel confident enough to raise issues with their line managers about their symptoms and ask for support.

Edwin Jeffries, Secretary of the Joint Trade Unions, said: “We are delighted to have worked with the College in developing a Menopause Policy.  We welcome the positive approach to supporting staff on this issue and look forward to working with other employers, encouraging them to be proactive in discussing and agreeing positive health and well-being policies for their staff.”