We are thrilled to announce that Health Shield has taken a significant step in supporting women's health in the workplace by signing the Menopause Working Pledge. This commitment underscores our dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all our employees, especially those going through menopause.
Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life that can bring about various physical and emotional changes. Symptoms can significantly impact a woman's daily life, including her work performance and overall wellbeing, with many women feeling they have no option but to leave work when support is not in place. Some of these common symptoms include:
- Altered mood
- Anxiety, depression, and panic attacks
- Memory loss, reduced concentration, and loss of confidence
- Hot flushes
- Sleep disturbances and night sweats, which impact on health and wellbeing
- Irregular periods
- Muscle aches and joint stiffness
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) including cystitis
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Palpitations (heartbeats that become more noticeable)
- Skin changes (dryness, acne, general itchiness)
- Reduced sex drive.
At Health Shield, we recognise the importance of understanding and addressing the challenges that menopausal individuals may face at work.
Isabella Walker, our Head of HR at Health Shield said “I think this is a really important step forward. By signing the Menopause Working Pledge, we aim to raise awareness and educate our team on the menopause to create understanding and reduce stigma. We will provide support for those who are experiencing menopausal symptoms and implement policies that accommodate the needs of menopausal employees.”
Matt Liggins, our Head of Wellbeing commented “We believe in the importance of creating a supportive environment that addresses the unique needs of individuals experiencing menopause and other related symptoms. We will draw on resources and support such as the Menopause Working Pledge to assist and empower women dealing with these symptoms while at work to ensure that all individuals feel understood, valued, and supported throughout their journey.”
Matt added “We encourage other organisations to join us in signing the Menopause Working Pledge and taking proactive steps to support their employees, because putting your employees first is essential.”
By creating an environment of understanding and support, we can help ensure that all employees thrive, regardless of the stage of life they are in. Let’s continue to make a positive difference in the lives of women in the workplace and beyond.