The Group expands on its parental leave, diversity, equity and inclusion and people-oriented policies by announcing its Menopause Policy and signing up to the Menopause Workplace Pledge.
Travis Perkins plc, a leading partner to the construction industry and the UK’s largest distributor of building materials, has signed up to the Menopause Workplace Pledge, partnered with Menopause Experts Group and created a policy to support employees affected by the menopause.
Training is also being made available to Travis Perkins plc’s over 20,000 colleagues, with particular emphasis on the Group’s managers and 250 Mental Health First-Aiders, who will be equipped to signpost where help and information about menopause are available.
Travis Perkins plc has set out a clear ambition to provide an inclusive environment which celebrates and nurtures diversity, and improves the gender balance across all levels of the business.
These initiatives are integral to the Group’s drive to modernise and create a workplace that accommodates, recognises and supports colleagues at the moments that matter and may have an impact on their working lives.
While many who experience menopause are able to carry on their working lives as normal, there is a substantial number of women who quit their jobs because of the menopause and their struggles with its symptoms in the workplace.
By partnering with Menopause Experts Group to provide education and training, Travis Perkins aims to raise awareness about the affects of menopause, and to encourage open conversations and help signpost and direct colleagues across the Group to advice and assistance.
Travis Perkins HR Chief Officer Emma Rose said: “A modern construction workforce is a diverse one, and balancing physical, mental and financial wellbeing is key to creating a supportive workplace where everyone feels they can belong.
“The menopause can be challenging for both women and men, and through awareness and education, we want colleagues to have access to the right support and information, and feel confident in talking about their own health and wellbeing, so we can ensure those who need it are supported and feel able and confident to talk to their manager and discuss any adjustments they may need at work.”
Menopause Experts CEO and Founder Dee Murray, a retired Advanced Psychotherapist and Human Behaviourist, said: “Teaching colleagues about menopause is vital if we are going to remove the stigma surrounding what is a big part of a woman's life, and Travis Perkins’ partnership with Menopause Experts Group will provide colleagues with comprehensive, trustworthy and accredited information and training to help them understand and manage symptoms better.
“The training we provide includes information on the biology of the female body and the effects that declining hormones like oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone have on women’s health.
"It also examines the pros and cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy, looks at alternative ways to manage symptoms through diet and lifestyle, and how adjustments, such as temperature control, provision of electric fans or access to rest facilities, flexible working, more frequent rest breaks or changes to work allocation can make life easier for those affected.”
More than 100 employees at Travis Perkins plc have joined its online Hot Flush community, which compliments the Group’s wellbeing hub, and staff training is well underway.
The company’s Employee Assistance Programme provider, Care First, is also providing webinars and supporting the Group’s drop in cafe initiative, where issues, such as the implications of retiring from work early due to the menopause, and the drastic shortfall in pensions contributions this can lead to, are being discussed.
