Law firm Gardner Leader has appointed its first menopause champion as part of an investment in health and wellbeing support initiatives for its workforce.
Hilary Messer, senior associate in the dispute resolution team, was given the responsibility for raising the profile of menopause awareness in the workplace and encouraging staff to talk more openly about it. She will advise on how best to lay out workspaces, how the firm can help members of staff dealing with symptoms, and providing confidential support and guidance.
Messer, who received champion accreditation from The Menopause Experts UK programme, will be running sessions for the whole workforce, regardless of gender, in which they can learn about menopause symptoms and mechanisms for support.
According to the firm, which recently appointed two wellbeing champions, it introduced a menopause champion because 75% of its 180-strong workforce is female. It also stated that it understands the importance of a happy workforce and the role this plays in providing quality of service.
Messer said: “Menopause remains a taboo subject both within and outside of the workplace. Generally, people are unaware of the symptoms or how best to support those that may be suffering from them.
“As a menopause champion for Gardner Leader, I am looking forward to helping to raise the profile for menopause in the workplace and increasing people’s overall understanding of the transition that women go through and how it can affect them. Having a team that is more engaged in conversations around menopause will help us as a firm to better understand so we can offer the support that’s needed.”
Derek Rodgers, managing partner at Gardner Leader, added: “Ensuring our staff feel valued, supported and a part of a wider community is essential. Hilary becoming the Gardner Leader Menopause champion is another important step in building this sense of community and togetherness amongst the team.”