Today is World Menopause Day and it’s the day that Greene King have announced that it is strengthening its wellbeing commitment to its team members with the launch of its Menopause and Menstruation Support Policy.
The pub company say that the new policy is designed “to normalise the conversation and provide guidance for team members and line managers so they can support each other, as well as improving understanding of menopause, perimenopause and periods.”
Greene King’s female employee-led inclusion group, Greene Sky, has been instrumental in fast tracking the new Policy following a series of listening sessions over the summer. They highlighted the need to normalise conversations about menopause and menstruation through better understanding and awareness and how meaningful, practical support can make a difference.
In terms of practical support, the listening sessions lead to a review of team clothing in new menopause-friendly team clothing options which includes breathable workwear. In addition, the company say there is scope to “make reasonable adjustments, on a case-by-case basis, such as some flexibility on working times and regular breaks, as these can have a big impact on an individual.”
Greene King’s chief people and transformation officer, Andrew Bush said, “We recognise there is not a one size fits all approach as people have different experiences of menopause and menstruation.
“What we have done is listen to what our team members say about their experiences, how they want any stigma removed and for these topics to be part of an everyday conversation when needed. It’s about being open and honest about menopause and period health, how it affects people and how we can support people throughout their lives.
“This is more than just a new policy as it is designed to signpost the support there is around team members’ wellbeing when it is needed and build ongoing awareness to increase everybody’s understanding and normalise conversations about menopause. We are working hard and listening to our teams to keep learning and building on our success as a leading hospitality employer and addressing our policies to keep a focus on the wellbeing of our people.”
As well as providing online learning resources, further awareness activities include social and educational events, a Pint of Perspective podcast, Vlogs from across the business and a series of webinar sessions by Mission Menopause called Managing Menopause.
Menopause affects around 51% of the UK population so has the potential to directly or indirectly impact everyone at some point during a person’s career, be that themselves, a family member, friend or work colleague.