Health and wellness retailer Holland and Barrett has received menopause-friendly employer accreditation as part of its commitment to creating a positive and inclusive working environment.
Established by Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace, employers receive accreditation following an assessment by an independent panel. They must demonstrate evidence of their effectiveness in the areas of culture, policies and practices, training, engagement facilities and evaluation.
More than 4,000 Holland and Barrett employees have received extensive health training on menopause education and an e-learning module on the menopause has been made available to all staff across the business. Fifteen workers who have the highest level of accredited health and wellness training have been equipped with additional training and resources, so they can offer free menopause talks and run information workshops in workplaces and community groups across the UK to improve awareness and education.
Staff can also book a free 15-minute consultation with a menopause health nurse for advice and guidance and they can also access the business’ Guide to Menopause. This signposts internal support available and includes information on how to request extra uniform, access to portable desk fans and guidance on how to have a wellbeing conversation with their line manager.
By providing these resources as well as free counselling through its 24/7 employee assistance programme and training 50 mental health first aiders to provide support and assistance, Holland and Barrett aims to ensure that employees feel supported and empowered to manage their menopause symptoms effectively while at work.
Maria Anderson, chief people officer at Holland and Barrett, said: “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the accreditation. We believe in supporting our staff throughout all stages of their lives and menopause is no exception. We understand the impact that menopause can have on individuals, both physically and emotionally, and we are committed to providing the necessary support and resources to help our employees navigate this time with greater ease.”