The government’s first menopause employment champion has praised the travel industry for its engagement and progress in support of menopausal women in the workplace.
Helen Tomlinson made her comments at a Travel Weekly Inspiring Women lunch last week ahead of International Women’s Day today (March 8).
A straw poll of the female leaders from 30 travel businesses at the event – covering cruise, tour operating, retail, homeworking, airlines, touring and adventure and destinations – found almost half have policies in place to support employees with menopausal symptoms.
Tomlinson said: “There were so many organisations that had a menopause policy but what I really loved to see was the understanding that a policy in isolation simply isn’t enough – it needs to be accompanied by a programme of education, colleague allyship, storytelling of lived experience and support from leadership – this is what creates an inclusive culture that leads to optimum attraction and retention.”
Tomlinson is head of talent and inclusion at executive recruitment firm, The Adecco Group, and was appointed by Westminster last year to spearhead a new drive to support working women going through the menopause.
Tomlinson said: “Menopause is an entirely natural but sometimes difficult period affecting 51% of the population.
“But this is not a time to step down, step back or step out of working life.
“Women over 50 are the fastest growing demographic in the workplace and when employers provide education and allyship which creates cultural change they can go on to have arguably the most productive and fulfilling time in their careers.”
More: Barrhead Travel creates menopause support group
Tui signs menopause pledge to support colleagues’ wellbeing
Attraction World Group introduces menopause policy
In her report to the Department for Work and Pensions, she noted almost four million women aged 45-55 are employed in the UK – and warned that a lack of awareness and treatment are negatively affecting UK workforce productivity.
Research suggests those with serious menopausal symptoms take an average of 32 weeks of leave from work, while one in four women report they have considered leaving their job due to experiencing the menopause, the report said.
Tomlinson’s comments follow news that employers could be sued for disability discrimination if they fail to make “reasonable adjustments” for women going through menopause under new guidance issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) last month.
Ami Naru, head of employment at Travlaw, commented: “Whilst ‘menopause’ in itself is not a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, a woman treated less favourably because of her menopause symptoms could suffer discrimination on the grounds of age, disability and/or sex, all of which are protected characteristics and which women have used successfully in tribunal claims.
“Employers have ongoing duties under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. Aside from the legal considerations, managing the effects of the menopause can be beneficial for both the employer and employee.
“While there is no legal requirement to have a menopause policy, these now appear as routine as other such policies in staff handbooks.
“There does appear to be a real change and appetite by some employers to help women transition through the menopause by introducing workplace policies and I would encourage employers in the travel industry to do the same.”