Elected Member Briefing Note 2023, Issue 50
About this briefing note
Report by: Fiona Thomson, Team Leader, Human Resources
Date: 2 May 2023
Subject: Menopause Pledge Commitment
Responsible Officer: Pauline Johnstone, Corporate HR Manager
Purpose
This briefing note is to provide information on the Council's commitment to the Menopause Workplace Pledge.
Briefing Information
Women over 50 are the fastest growing demographic in the workplace, but many will have their quality of work experience negatively impacted by the symptoms which accompany menopause. Women 50 and over make up 29% of the Council workforce.
If people affected by menopause feel supported at work, it can help to increase staff retention, reduce recruitment costs, improve productivity, happiness and wellbeing, and support efforts to achieve a more diverse workforce.
Our support for colleagues is encompassed in our Health and Wellbeing Framework and policy statement. This is supplemented by specific guidance on menopause (PDF, 125 KB). We have recently provided awareness sessions available to all staff and take opportunities to promote external organisation's activities to our staff e.g. Menopause Cafés held in Perth on 28 March and 2 May 2023.
In signing the Menopause Workplace Pledge, we commit to:
- Recognising that the menopause can be an issue in the workplace and women need support
- Talking openly, positively and respectfully about the menopause
- Actively supporting and informing employees affected by the menopause
We are continuing our work in this area with a health and wellbeing event in Blairgowrie in June with a menopause specialist in attendance; the launch of a Women's Wellbeing Staff Network in May, and further menopause awareness sessions to take place later in 2023. All of which will continue to support our commitment.
Our commitment to the Menopause Workplace Pledge will be shared with employees and included in our organisation information for potential candidates for vacancies.
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