A Scottish law firm has become the first in the country to obtain menopause-friendly status.
Managers at Burness Paull devised a programme to raise awareness of the condition, after seeing the impact it was having on staff going through the mid-life transition.
Experts say the business has “broken new ground” with its campaign, helping women with passion and inspiration.
While the menopause is nothing new, the topics surrounding it have been gathering momentum in recent months.
In the summer TV presenter Davina McCall explored the condition in a documentary, while Strictly judge Shirley Ballas and presenter Penny Lancaster have also spoken of their experiences.
How is the firm tackling menopause in the workplace?
Staff at the law practice, which has an office in Aberdeen, have been trained up to act as “menopause champions”.
They’ve been taught the symptoms to look out for, and the avenues they can direct women who are facing them to.
HR teams have been prepped to offer support with the likes of desk fans – to help with hot flushes – and flexibility when it comes to working from home.
Staff have also taken part in workshops, and have access to a raft of resources through the firm’s website.
Emma Smith, who heads up Burness Paull’s inclusion and wellbeing work, said: “Menopause champions have got more specific knowledge on the main types of symptoms and where to signpost people to in terms of support and help.
Inclusion and wellbeing manager Emma Smith.”If people don’t feel comfortable speaking to their managers, they can advise them on how to do that and, if necessary, speak to HR and introduce the topic to managers.
“They work with me on how we raise awareness on World Menopause Day and how we keep it on the agenda and keep our resources up-to-date and just generally provide a support network.”
‘I have definitely benefitted’
A survey was also sent to staff working in Burness Paull offices across Scotland to find out what types of support they could benefit most from – to positive feedback across the board.
“People within the business said it was really quite a relief to be able to just talk openly about it,” Emma said.
“To be able to go to HR, for example, and talk about doctors appointments or reasonable adjustments around working from home, desk fans, that type of thing, it’s about getting that culture of openness.
“I think, often, people don’t realise how complex the menopause is and also how long it can last for someone.
“It’s important people realise the extent and the impact it can have on a person.”
She added: “I have definitely benefitted from a lot of the information on perimenopause.
“Before I started working on this project I had absolutely no idea of how complex and the sheer amount of symptoms you can have and the impact it can have on you.”
‘Every woman goes through it in some shape or form’
Aberdeen-based partner Tricia Walker says the ability to share menopause experiences openly in the office has been “really comforting”.
She said: “What’s been really fabulous about this is it gives a forum for people to talk.
“Of course, it affects every woman, but until I was in my 40s I can’t say menopause had been on my radar.
“People started talking about it and then I started going through it.
“It is really comforting to have a forum where people are free and able to say what they’re going through, and hearing it from others and realising it’s all pretty normal.
“Some people don’t suffer, and others suffer enormously, but every woman goes through it in some shape or form.”
How did it earn accreditation?
Burness Paull has become the first UK law firm to achieve accreditation after developing its Menopause Friendly Programme.
Its efforts were assessed by an independent panel, including the former chair of the British Menopause Society and the founder of the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers.
The business had to demonstrate there was an understanding of how menopause can affect employees at work, and that it offers a range of support and resources.
It also had to prove its commitment to the ongoing wellbeing of staff.
Overall, it was praised by the panel for fostering “a really inclusive culture where it’s easy and comfortable to talk about menopause.”
The scheme is backed by UK organisation Henpicked, which offers training and guidance to help businesses care for staff experiencing menopause.
Director Deborah Garlick said: “Their campaign has broken new ground in best practice, brought to life with inspiration and passion.
“Menopause isn’t just an issue for women, knowledge and understanding of its impact is a life skill for all.
“In addition, they’ve shared their experience with other employers which will help drive societal mindset change around the menopause.”