Gas distribution network Cadent has been awarded menopause-friendly accreditation due to its practices that embrace menopause in the workplace.
Established by Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, the accreditation process assesses employers via an independent panel. Organisations must demonstrate evidence of their effectiveness through their culture, policies and practices, training, engagement, facilities and evaluation.
Cadent, which employs more than 6,500 staff, received accreditation as a result of practices including a monthly support group that aims to help women feel confident discussing their symptoms with their GP, and a bespoke policy and guidebook that supports employees experiencing menopause, as well as line managers to feel confident talking with affected staff.
Cadent also held an equality, diversity and inclusion focused meet and greet session in January, which included board members holding discussions about the menopause, and male staff sharing conversations they had with female family members as a result of the menopause friendly initiatives. More than 70% of Cadent’s managers also completed a menopause e-learning module.
Lucy Stuart, head of risk and assurance and menopause lead at Cadent, said: “As a sector that is generally male dominated, it is important for Cadent to have equity in our workplace. By becoming menopause friendly, we are giving our menopausal and perimenopausal employees the chance to be their most comfortable and confident selves at work.
“It is a huge opportunity to support all staff, including those who aren’t going through, or never will go through, menopause, to become comfortable talking about it. By doing so, they will gain the confidence to support the people around them who are experiencing menopause. The accreditation is an ongoing commitment, assuring support for those who will face menopause, directly or indirectly, in the years ahead. We are future-proofing Cadent to ensure it is a caring and supportive employer.”