NFM signs Menopause Workplace Pledge

Charity demonstrates ongoing commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of staff

National charity NFM (National Family Mediation) has furthered demonstrated its commitment to the health and wellbeing of its staff by signing the Menopause Workplace Pledge.

Created by the charity Wellbeing of Women in partnership with Hello! Magazine, and sponsored by Bupa, around 2,500 employers have added their signatures to date, including large businesses such as the BBC, Tesco and Royal Mail.

By signing the pledge, NFM has committed to recognising that the menopause can be an issue in the workplace and that women need support; to talking openly, positively, and respectfully about menopause; and to actively supporting and informing employees affected by the menopause.

The move comes ahead of World Menopause Day, which is held every year on October 18th, and which aims to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving the health and wellbeing of those affected.

Sarah Hawkins, CEO of NFM, said: “'We value the knowledge and experience of our staff, and we want to do whatever we can to ensure that we do not lose that, so being supportive while they navigate themselves through this time in their life can only be a benefit to our organisation.”

According to a survey published by the Family Law Menopause Project and Newson Health Research and Education, eight out of 100 women experiencing marriage difficulties said the symptoms of the perimenopause or menopause put a strain on their family life.

The survey of 1000 women found that 70% of those who responded blamed the menopause for their divorce or marriage problems.

Sarah Hawkins added: “As a charity we help thousands of couples who are going through a divorce and separation every year, and sadly menopause and perimenopause is a regular contributory factor to the breakdown of the relationship.

“It’s important that we keep talking about this so that women can access the help and support that they need, and also so that more employers commit to making changes that better accommodate their needs.

“Inevitably, that will have a positive knock-on impact at home, and will certainly help to alleviate some of the pressures that couples face when they are choosing to go their separate ways.”