Home Care Provider Pledges To Create A ‘Menopause Friendly Workplace’

Local home care provider, Bluebird Care North Hampshire & West Berkshire, has made a commitment to create a ‘menopause friendly workplace’ by signing the Menopause pledge on behalf of their staff.

The move comes following data by the Office for National Statistics which highlighted that women over the age of 50 represent the fastest-growing segment of the UK workforce, with increasing numbers of women experiencing menopausal symptoms during their working lives. However, many women during this time do not receive the right support from their employers and, as a result, are unable to reach their full potential at work.  

In light of these facts and figures, Bluebird Care North Hampshire & West Berkshire undertook an analysis of their own workforce and found that just over 50% of their team were aged 50 and over. In response to this data, they have now committed themselves to create a ‘menopause friendly workplace’ as they play their part in the push for positive change. 

  As part of their mission, the home care provider has signed the ‘Employer Menopause Pledge’ by the Wellbeing of Women Charity, which includes a commitment to recognise and support menopause in the workplace, talk openly, positively, and respectfully about menopause, and actively inform team members about its effects. 

  In addition to this, Bluebird Care North Hampshire & West Berkshire will also review their existing employee policies and procedures relating to menopause, train and educate Managers and Supervisors, and facilitate workforce engagement and education. 

Speaking about their ‘Employer Menopause Pledge’, Recruitment and Retention Manager at Bluebird Care North Hampshire & West Berkshire, Kim Teagle, said: 

  “If the culture existed in workplaces to ensure all women could speak about what they are going through with colleagues and Managers, and without fear of being disregarded or treated like they were underperforming in their role, it would make all the difference. Along with practical support, work culture really needs to change.” 

  “Businesses need to value the women they have in their workforce who are going through menopause, otherwise many will continue to leave. By fostering an age-inclusive workplace, Bluebird Care North Hampshire & West Berkshire will be able to tap into the valuable skills and talents women of all ages have to offer.” 

You can find more information on the pledge here