Webinar: Fostering a better understanding of menopause in the workplace
Employee benefits technology platform Zest held a roundtable discussion on World Menopause Day (18 October, 2023) to highlight how high impact, low-cost benefits can sometimes be the most effective in helping employees suffering menopause symptoms. And. it looked at what employers can do to get a conversation started about this important health issue.
The challenges
In a study of 2,000 employees by Carrot Fertility, 80% of respondents said menopause presented a challenge at work. And 72% said they felt self-conscious and uncomfortable when experiencing a menopause symptoms at work.
There continues to be a stigma around menopause. Employees can be nervous about having conversations about it with HR leaders and it’s a subject that needs more day-to-day support from employers .
There should be no concern by employees about negative impacts, no need to suffer in silence. Employees should feel comfortable and supported. A menopause experience shouldn’t affect career progression in any way.
Worrying statistics
Having explored challenges faced in the workplace, Zest found that just 2% of employees reported they had used menopause support offered by employers in the last year, with only 17% of businesses saying that they offered menopause support.
Zest’s CEO Matt Russel says: “Menopause is a significant life event that affects women both personally and professionally. But, by fostering a supportive and understanding workplace environment that incorporates relevant employee wellbeing benefits, employers can help women navigate this transition with confidence and empower them to continue thriving in their careers.“
An important discussion
Host Clare Reynolds’ panel of experts included Ann O’Neill, co-founder and CEO of Adora Digital Health, and Claire Blomley, Senior Benefits Manager at Teva Ltd. The trio discussed:
- How we can all better understand the menopause experience
- Helping HR leaders to create a more supportive work environment
- The benefits and tools available to help foster greater inclusivity
- Getting to grips with BS30416 Attendees
Watch Zest’s menopause webinar in full here.
Zest is championing a new era of employee engagement through technology. To find out more about how it can support you with your employee offering, click here.
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, Zest
Zest is the next generation platform that’s reinventing the world of employee benefits.