- AXA UK was one of the first organisations to be accredited as a Menopause-Friendly Employer in the UK
- The insurer hosted an expert panel to explore the impact of menopause, the biggest misconceptions and the support available
AXA UK marked World Menopause Day last Friday with a panel discussion focused on celebrating the progress it has made in regard to supporting colleagues going through menopause and encouraging them to speak openly about the associated impact and stigma that can be attached to it.
The discussion was part of AXA’s ‘Healthy You’ initiative, a month of activities aimed at supporting the health and wellbeing of its people through a variety of sessions led by experts such as psychological coaches, physiologists and nutritionists.
AXA UK is one of the first companies to be accredited as a Menopause-Friendly Employer in the UK by The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, a leading provider of menopause workplace services. The accreditation demonstrates AXA UK’s commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of its employees and also highlights its dedication to educating people on the issues their female colleagues may be facing at work and in their personal lives.
The discussion featured panellists Sharon Vibert, Director Henpicked, Menopause in the Workplace; Pallavi Bradshaw, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at AXA Health; and Suzanne Scott, Chief People and Corporate Responsibility Officer at AXA UK & Ireland. The session was made available internally to all colleagues, providing an invaluable opportunity to gain deeper understanding of the impact of menopause and the supportive measures in place within the organisation.
Menopause can affect us all, whether it’s directly or indirectly through a loved one, friend or colleague. It’s incredibly valuable for everyone to have a fundamental understanding of its impact. Work is a big part of people’s lives and with 51% of the population experiencing menopause and many more looking to understand and support those people menopause is a big part of work. We want people to feel supported and to know this is not a taboo subject, we must normalise the conversation and educate and support.
To address these issues, it’s essential for employers to provide supportive measures, listen to concerns, and encourage people to have open conversations.
At AXA UK, we are dedicated to helping our colleagues, we have a culture that provides the platform for this, we care for our people and foster an inclusive environment where people love to work.
It is important to recognise that menopause is a significant life transition that can impact women and those close to them physically, emotionally and psychologically. By raising awareness of the different stages and the varied experiences women may have during this time, we can create a better understanding of their needs and how to address them.
However, it is crucial to note that every woman comes with different needs. Medical support is not always needed and lifestyle changes may be more suitable.
Anticipating menopause can bring about anxiety and concerns about mental health, even before entering the perimenopausal stage. Women’s health is lacking research and it’s important for them to be aware of the potential impact on their mental wellbeing and seek support from their GP and their employer.
Menopause is not just a personal issue, it can affect women in the workplace as well. With three in four women experiencing symptoms, and one in four enduring serious symptoms, it is clear that the impact of menopause needs to be explored and addressed by companies.
There is a crucial need for greater awareness, support and open dialogue surrounding menopause in work environments. It’s time for employers to understand the impact on their employees and take proactive steps to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for those experiencing this life transition.
