It’s official – HCT is a menopause friendly employer
Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust (HCT) is proud to be part of an entire system of healthcare employers that have achieved Menopause Friendly Accreditation. Menopause in the workplace experts, Henpicked, have recognised the entire Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System (ICS) for its commitment to focussing on staff wellbeing, and creating an environment of open discussion. An independent panel of experts from Henpicked awarded the accreditation in recognition of how ICS staff across the region impacted by menopause can be more open about how it affects them and ask for reasonable adjustments.
A loss of hormones and oestrogen and progesterone, usually experienced by women between 45 and 55 years can lead to a range of difficult symptoms, some which affect mental health. Many people going through menopause report symptoms making them feel so bad they have considered leaving their job or working less hours and not having the energy to advance their careers. These people have a wealth of experience and knowledge that could potentially be lost to the NHS, and other professions or industries. As the majority (92%) of staff at HCT are female, and about a third (31%) fall into the average age bracket for menopause, raising awareness and supporting staff (at any age) through this period of their lives is important to us.
How we support our staff
As well as making it easier for staff to talk about menopause and encouraging more open discussion between colleagues – we are running manager training sessions. There are also online awareness sessions for all staff and some specifically for men, delivered by men. These are so male staff, family and friends can explore and discuss ways to support those going through menopause as well as dispel some of the myths.
We also have staff menopause advocates in place and a menopause network that welcomes all staff. All this is supported by our ‘Menopause Policy’ that recognises we all benefit from working with and supporting staff impacted by menopause, in order to maximise their wellbeing as well as staff retention.
Further help or information
Staff at HCT can find out more about support available to them on the staff intranet – just search ‘menopause’ or the My Way My Health website. Get further information about menopause in the workplace
To find out more about menopause, including symptoms, treatment and help or support.
