Menopause Champions in workplaces
A Menopause Champion in the workplace is a trained advocate who raises awareness about menopause-related issues. They offer support to employees experiencing menopause, and help foster an inclusive and supportive work environment. A champion’s role can vary depending on the organization’s policies and the champion’s level of involvement, but generally, they fulfill the following responsibilities:
- Raising Awareness Educating Employees: The champion helps create understanding about menopause by sharing information with both management and staff. This can include explaining symptoms, the impact on work, and promoting open conversations.
- Challenging Stigma: They work to break the silence and stigma around menopause. Furthermore, helping to normalize discussions and reduce any embarrassment or taboo around the topic.
- Supporting Employees:
- Point of Contact: Menopause champions often act as a go-to person for employees seeking advice, support, or guidance regarding their experience with menopause.
- Offering Resources: They provide information about available resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counselling, or healthcare benefits that employees can access for support.
- Advocating for Policy and Practice:
- Influencing Workplace Policies: They may help ensure that the organization has menopause-friendly policies in place. These may include flexible working arrangements, adjustments to workload, or providing cool, quiet spaces for those experiencing symptoms.
- Promoting Training: They may encourage or provide training to managers and HR professionals to better understand menopause and how to support affected employees.
- Creating a Supportive Culture:
- Promoting Inclusivity: By advocating for an understanding of menopause as a natural life stage, they help create a more inclusive work culture. This recognizes that employees at various stages of life have different needs.
- Organizing Events or Networks: Menopause champions may organize workshops, discussions, or support groups where employees can share experiences and advice.
The role of a menopause champion is to ensure that employees going through menopause feel supported, understood, and able to maintain their productivity and well-being at work.
It is great to see an increasing number of companies and organisations training champions within workplaces.
Contact me at breber2019@gmail.com if you would like some further information on menopause champion/advocate training for your organisation