Bede’s School Trust in East Sussex has signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge, demonstrating a commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace for all employees.
The Menopause Workplace Pledge is an initiative led by the charity Wellbeing of Women, aimed at raising awareness of menopause in the workplace, ensuring that individuals experiencing the menopause receive the necessary support.
By signing this pledge, Bede’s School joins a growing number of organisations in the UK committed to addressing the unique challenges that menopausal employees may face.
While many women have few issues, some perimenopausal and menopausal women face numerous difficulties that can affect life, work and relationships.
Bede’s School Trust has implemented several changes within their workplace to ensure that their employees feel comfortable, confident and supported as they approach and experience this stage in their lives. The Trust now provides educational resources and training for employees and managers to better understand menopause and its potential impact on the workplace. They have also reviewed and updated existing policies to ensure that the needs of menopausal employees are addressed.
Within their new policy, if employees are struggling to concentrate due to their menopause symptoms, employees can request to adjust their working patterns and they will be provided with quiet spaces to work undisturbed. Employees will also be provided with mindfulness training or counselling if they are feeling anxiety symptoms.
In addition, Bede’s School Trust has assigned members of staff who volunteered to be “Menopause Champions”. These are the staff’s main points of contact and advocates for those experiencing symptoms of the menopause.They provide employees with additional support, help signpost people to professional help and provide a safe listening space.
Signing the Menopause Workplace Pledge is the next step in Bede’s commitment to employee wellbeing. The move follows Bede’s becoming accredited as a Living Wage Employer earlier in the year.
Emma Maynard, director of people at Bede’s School Trust comments, “At Bede’s, we believe that inclusion is at the heart of a successful and harmonious workplace. By signing the Menopause Workplace Pledge, we are taking a significant step towards supporting our employees through a life transition that can be challenging for some. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where every member of our team feels valued and respected, and this initiative is a testament to that commitment.”
