// Co-op launching new menopause support guide for all 4,500 managers
// The guide has been created in partnership with the Usdaw and Unite unions
Co-op is enhancing its menopause policy after conducting a new study with women in workplaces in the UK.
The research found that almost two fifths of women who are going through the menopause, or have been through it previously, said they experienced anxiety at work.
In addition, over a quarter said they had felt depressed.
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Co-op is now launching a menopause support guide for all 4,500 managers across Co-op food stores, funeral homes, legal services and insurance businesses, and will also be making it publicly available free of charge to other employers.
The guide has been created in partnership with the Usdaw and Unite unions in collaboration with colleague networks.
Around 47% of women employees said dedicated support for the menopause in the workplace should be made available for colleagues by their employer.
The study also found that 95% of managers said they had never received official training on how to support perimenopausal colleagues and those going through the menopause.
In addition, some 52% of managers said they did not feel confident in supporting a colleague.
Three fifths women in the workplace who were going through the menopause said their work was impacted and almost a further 19% said they had lost confidence in their ability when it came to their career.
“It’s time to stop viewing the physical and mental impacts felt by those experiencing the perimenopause and menopause as just a women’s issue and rather as a workplace issue that we all have a role in supporting,” Co-op chief people and services officer, Helen Webb said.
“We need to work together across business, government and society to end the stigma, so that no one else faces this alone. That’s why we’re proud to release our dedicated menopause support guide for managers as well as becoming a Founding Partner with GenM and signing the Women in the Workplace pledge to go even further in making positive changes in the workplace.”
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