HSBC has formally implemented a new Menopause Policy across its offices in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man as part of its ongoing commitment to staff wellbeing and providing an inclusive and supportive working environment.
The introduction of the policy recognises that women experiencing the menopause, whether before, during or after a time of hormonal change and associated symptoms, may need additional consideration, support, and adjustments within the workplace environment.
In addition, the Bank is also making an online Menopause Awareness course available to staff to help increase knowledge amongst colleagues on the subject and help to further break the taboo when it comes to talking about and asking for support with menopause symptoms.
The official implementation of the new policy follows on from HSBC Channel Islands and Isle of Man signing up to the ‘51 Employers Pledge’ at the end of last year. Named after the average age that someone reaches the menopause, the Pledge represented an initial commitment by the Bank to implement a number of measures to ensure that colleagues going through the menopause feel supported, understood and included.
Staff in Jersey also took part in a workshop in May this year with a visiting expert and experienced what the menopause feels like through an innovative device called the ‘Menovest’ that simulates menopausal hot flushes.
Commenting on the policy, Elvina Aghajanyan (pictured), Head of HR, HSBC Channel Islands and Isle of Man, said: “We are absolutely committed to developing a workplace culture that supports colleagues experiencing the menopause in order for them to feel confident to raise issues about their symptoms and ask for reasonable adjustments in the workplace. I’m really pleased that we can now officially introduce our new policy, which will help raise awareness, encourage open conversations and provide educational opportunities for all our colleagues around the menopause, all of which will ultimately create an inclusive and supportive environment.”
