The below article is one of many we have in our knowledge hub about menopause.The Menopause Hub is designed to answer all of your questions and bring you a streamlined version of everything you need to know in one place. We’ve covered every stage of your journey with menopause, from diagnosis to different treatments you can consider, as well as offering advice on how to manage your physical and emotional wellbeing.
This article is an interview between Nature’s Best and Deborah Garlick, the founder of Henpicked and one of the authors of Menopause: the change for the better. Henpicked is a website for women promoting discussion, debates and positive change through life stories, tips and advice.
You focus greatly on menopause awareness, why do you think it’s important to have more education on this natural female process?
We’re living for longer, working for longer and for so many people menopause gets in the way of enjoying life and work. The reasons why it’s urgent and important are well documented from an employer’s perspective. It’s a win-win – good for employers and good for employees.
Making sure businesses and organisations are menopause friendly is important especially when it comes to practices, policies and attitudes. Why do you think this training is equally as important for male and female employees?
Sadly, in the past menopause has not been talked about, hidden, been a source of embarrassment or thought of as a women’s issue and it’s time to change that.
Anyone can be affected by menopause, whether that’s first-hand or through our relationships with partners, family members, friends or colleagues. We have a lot of men and young adults at our training sessions which is great. They want to know what they can do to support someone.
Does your community believe menopause supplements are useful in supporting women in the workplace?
We believe in informed choice, making sure everyone understands their options and has the sound information to do what’s right for them. That includes medical options, lifestyle including managing stress, exercise, nutrition and yes, many choose supplements as part of their ‘menu’ to manage menopause symptoms and long-term health.
What training can we expect and what elements do you cover with Menopause Friendly accreditation?
Over the last 5 years, we’ve supported hundreds of inspirational employers putting menopause awareness, education and support in place, following the programme we designed right at the start. We’ve brought together the combined experience and expertise of the Independent Panel and Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace.
Menopause Friendly accreditation provides clear standards to achieve and recognises the inspirational employers who are committed to being menopause friendly, supporting their colleagues and in doing so, playing a big part in changing the culture around menopause. And meet those standards. The Independent Panel assess and award ‘Accredited Menopause Friendly employer’ status.
There are unique workshops and genuinely helpful resources to make it easier for employers to be menopause friendly. Whether they’re starting from scratch, already begun but don’t know where to go next or deserve recognition for the amazing work they’ve already done, we’re with them all the way.
Menopause Friendly accreditation will accelerate the great progress that’s already been made. We’re looking forward to the awards and a party to celebrate their success.
As your sessions have the option of being taken online via a webinar, have you successfully managed to navigate your training over the last year?
Lockdown and a move to new ways of doing things was tricky for everyone. We already offered webinars so were able to switch quickly to continue menopause training throughout. Online has had its benefits for colleagues and employers – attendee numbers and engagement levels have increased and we’ve had more men and young adults joining us. We’re just pleased we’ve been able to continue and grow the momentum of menopause conversations.
To finish off, do you have any exciting things in store for Henpicked over the next few months?
Our aim is for every employer to be menopause friendly. We love helping change the way people think about menopause and making sure those who need it have support. We love hearing about the big difference it’s made for them. So, we’ll continue doing what we love.
Plus, we introduced things during lockdown that have been very popular e.g. our Lunch & Learn series. They fill fast and have meant that we’ve been able to open up the expertise of the UK’s leading menopause experts to anyone who wants to attend. Great way of building menopause knowledge and they’re free.
For more information on menopause health, please browse the rest of our Menopause hub.
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