UK broadcaster Channel 4 has announced the launch of its first ever, dedicated menopause policy today, which it believes to be ‘the first among UK media companies’. It coincides with World Menopause Day on 18th October 2019.
The new policy is designed to support employees experiencing menopausal symptoms whilst providing guidance to colleagues and line managers about how they can be supportive to those transitioning through it.
Recent UK statistics reveal that only 5% of businesses offer a dedicated menopause policy, despite the fact that 59% of women in the workplace experience menopausal symptoms. For a quarter of women, those symptoms are debilitating and affects their work. Studies also show that the menopause can affect women’s confidence, ambition and progression and these issues are seldom talked about.
ENDING THE STIGMA
Channel 4, however, is aiming to end the stigma around the menopause by encouraging a better understanding of it among employees and facilitating a more open work environment.
As part of Channel 4’s menopause policy, women have access to flexible working arrangements; paid leave if feeling unwell due to menopause symptoms, including the sudden onset of symptoms whilst at work; a private, cool and quiet space; a working environment assessment to ensure that their physical workspace is not making their symptoms worse, and an array of support and guidance resources.
The broadcaster is also introducing menopause awareness briefings to its leadership teams. Channel 4’s HR team now has a dedicated Menopause Champion and the broadcaster’s mental health employee network 4Mind, as well as in-house gender equality staff network 4Women, who are responsible for the new policy and offer a wealth of support, says the broadcaster.
SUPPORTING THE TRANSITION
Commenting on the policy, Channel 4’s CEO, Alex Mahon, stated: “This is Channel 4 living its remit, normalising a taboo subject by making it more visible and we hope that 4Women’s fantastic work will inspire more in the industry to support women in their workplaces transitioning through the menopause.”
Adding to her comments, Jane English, Co-Chair of 4Women, said: “Too many women suffer in silence due to the stigma around the menopause. We wanted to open up the conversation at Channel 4 and, in doing so, prompt the media industry to also start talking more about how they can better support women transitioning through it.”
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