Travers Smith LLP has introduced a menopause policy, including a number of paid for benefits, to provide support to people who are experiencing symptoms associated with the perimenopause and menopause whilst also supporting line managers by providing guidance.
The policy aims to positively raise awareness of the menopause and related issues by educating and informing everyone about potentials symptoms, how to seek support, and by creating an environment where people feel confident enough to raise issues about their symptoms, and ask for reasonable adjustments at work, as required.
As part of this new policy, the firm will be offering the following support to individuals affected by the perimenopause and menopause:
- Formal launch of the Menopause Awareness Group: a network group which meets on a regular basis, providing a friendly and supportive network of colleagues within the firm for both men and women, who feel they wish to discuss menopause-related issues or want to understand more about the topic
- Use of the Peppy app and access to 1:1 support sessions with Peppy menopause consultants
- Counselling support through AXA's Employee Assistance Programme
- Counselling/therapy sessions through The Professional Career Partnership, available to all employees on a confidential basis
Chief People Officer Moira Slape commented:
"We want to create an environment where individuals feel confident enough to speak out about their symptoms and ask for support and adjustments at work, and where line managers feel able to have these conversations without feeling out of their depth. The key point here is educating our people so that they become familiar with our policy, know what support is on offer either as the individual affected or as a colleague, and feel able to effectively support someone going through the perimenopause and menopause and have open and honest discussions about how this might be affecting them in the workplace.
A significant portion of our people will experience symptoms and it is crucial not only for the mental health of our people, but also for the success of our business, that we create a culture where everyone feels they can ask for support, perform their roles to the best of their abilities through all stages of their careers, and thrive in an open and inclusive environment."
