Travis Perkins plc has signed up to the Menopause Workplace Pledge, partnered with Menopause Experts Group and created a policy to support colleagues affected by the menopause. Training is also being made available to Travis Perkins plc’s over 20,000 colleagues, with particular emphasis on the Group’s managers and 250 Mental Health First-Aiders, who will be equipped to signpost where help and information about menopause are available.
The Group says it has “set out a clear ambition” to provide an inclusive environment which celebrates and nurtures diversity, and improves the gender balance across all levels of the business. Its latest menopause initiative is intended to build on its existing “industry-leading parental leave, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and people-oriented policies” and are deemed to be “integral to the Group’s drive to modernise and create a workplace that accommodates, recognises and supports colleagues at the moments that matter and may have an impact on their working lives”.
While many who experience menopause are able to carry on their working lives as normal, figures suggest that a substantial number of women quit their jobs because of the menopause and their struggles with its symptoms in the workplace. By partnering with Menopause Experts Group to provide education and training, Travis Perkins aims to raise awareness about the affects of menopause, and to encourage open conversations and help signpost and direct colleagues across the Group to advice and assistance.
Travis Perkins HR Chief Officer Emma Rose explained: “A modern construction workforce is a diverse one, and balancing physical, mental and financial wellbeing is key to creating a supportive workplace where everyone feels they can belong. The menopause can be challenging for both women and men, and through awareness and education, we want colleagues to have access to the right support and information, and feel confident in talking about their own health and wellbeing, so we can ensure those who need it are supported and feel able and confident to talk to their manager and discuss any adjustments they may need at work.”
Menopause Experts CEO and Founder Dee Murray, a retired Advanced Psychotherapist and Human Behaviourist, said: “Teaching colleagues about menopause is vital if we are going to remove the stigma surrounding what is a big part of a woman’s life, and Travis Perkins’ partnership with Menopause Experts Group will provide colleagues with comprehensive, trustworthy and accredited information and training to help them understand and manage symptoms better.
“The training we provide includes information on the biology of the female body and the effects that declining hormones like oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone have on women’s health. It also examines the pros and cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), looks at alternative ways to manage symptoms through diet and lifestyle, and how adjustments, such as temperature control, provision of electric fans or access to rest facilities, flexible working, more frequent rest breaks or changes to work allocation can make life easier for those affected.”
Carolyn Harris MP, Chair of the Menopause APPG and Co-Chair of the government’s Menopause Taskforce commented: “With the shocking statistic that one in ten women are leaving the workplace due to lack of support during the menopause, it is fantastic to see employers taking the issue seriously and making changes that will really benefit women at this time of their lives. I am delighted that Travis Perkins has listened to what their employees need and has introduced a Menopause Policy. This will not only make staff feel valued and understood, but will also benefit the business as they will be able to retain loyal and experienced members of their team.
“When we talk we learn, and by introducing this Policy, Travis Perkins will encourage that conversation and make the workplace a better and more inclusive place for everyone.”
More than 100 colleagues at Travis Perkins plc have joined its online Hot Flush community, which compliments the Group’s wellbeing hub, and colleague training is well underway. The company’s Employee Assistance Programme provider, Care First, is also providing webinars and supporting the Group’s drop in cafe initiative, where issues, such as the implications of retiring from work early due to the menopause, and the drastic shortfall in pensions contributions this can lead to, are being discussed.
