Introducing menopause policy into your organisation

Channel 4 was one of the first organisations to launch a Menopause Policy. We interview Pamela Bird and Fiona McAllister from 4Womxn on how they did it.

What was the catalyst?

The founding chairs of 4Women (Navene Alim, Landy Slattery and Jane English) became aware that many of their friends were struggling with menopausal symptoms. This led to them asking the 4Womxn committee whether it is a topic worth looking into and that prompted a wave of stories of women they thought they knew well. Colleagues shared a whole range of symptoms – from migraines to panic attacks – and all the while continuing to work, afraid to tell their line managers. They created a menopause focus group and that led to a further outpouring of stories of the many ways that menopause was affecting working lives.

It became clear that more support and education around the topic was needed. The chairs met with Channel 4’s CEO, Alex Mahon, to discuss what had come to light, what Channel 4 needed to do to support staff and the proposed introduction of a Menopause Policy.

Alex embraced the Menopause Policy and this led to Channel 4 implementing the UK media industry’s first dedicated menopause policy for employees.

What were the challenges?

Unhelpful myths surrounding menopause means it isn’t always taken seriously. For example, many people think that the menopause just causes hot flushes. The truth is that the menopause has at least 34 symptoms, both mental and physical. For 1 in 4 women, they are debilitating, and can lead to women confusing their symptoms with other illnesses, such as dementia.

These symptoms have a real impact work and at home. Another myth is that women go through menopause in their mid- 50s and companies often think it will therefore only impact a minority of their workforce. The reality is that perimenopause typically starts from 40 onwards and some people experience it at an even younger age. Unless someone has their ovaries surgically removed before puberty, all women will go through menopause at some point. Not everyone has a natural menopause, those who have PCOS or medically induced menopause can have symptoms even earlier.

Women are therefore suffering in more ways, and in greater numbers, than companies may realise. To dispel these myths, education is needed at a broader industry level and companies can help to drive change through events, policies and training.

Have you seen a difference in attitude to menopause?

Absolutely. It sent a clear message supporting women when the policy launched, and we’ve heard lots of stories of people approaching their line managers to discuss their menopausal symptoms when they hadn’t before. The policy has helped to end the silence and stigma and helped increase awareness among staff. As a result of the policy 78% of staff feel better about Channel 4 as a place to work and 10% of female employees have used or plan to use the policy to support their menopausal symptoms (for context, 13% of Channel 4 staff are women over the age of 45).

Launching the policy is part of a greater mission. Alongside the policy, we continuously seek to raise awareness around the menopause with various events, films, training and an ongoing support group. The word ‘menopause’ is no longer a taboo at Channel 4.

"It’s in your company’s best interests to support women through menopause and it costs very little, if anything at all, to introduce a Menopause Policy"

Tips on introducing a menopause policy

Take a strong stance

We suggest introducing a policy, rather than guidelines, as guidelines suggest that the advice is optional.

Educate your workforce

Don’t just introduce a policy. Make sure staff are aware of the common symptoms and long-term effects that menopause can have so that managers are equipped to have conversations around treatment, support, and adjustments through educational workshops or menopause awareness courses. Education is crucial for ensuring the well-being, engagement, and productivity of those staff experiencing menopausal symptoms.

Speak to your private health care provider

Here at Channel 4, employees who are experiencing menopausal symptoms can seek additional support through our private health care provider (BUPA) in which they can consult with a specialist doctor. Make sure employees are in the know so that they are able to access and make the most of any and all support available.

What is your next mission?

Women’s health remains at the top of our agenda and we’re looking at how we can provide further support for women experiencing other reproductive issues, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, periodrelated problems and fertility issues.