The Retailer Spring Edition 2023

4. Review policies and procedures Some retailers have adjusted their absence procedures so that absences for menopausal symptoms do not trigger a formal absence procedure and penalise employees for taking time off due to the menopause. Others have gone a step further and introduced specific menopause policies that set out how the organisation will support affected staff. As with any policy, however, it is vital that it is adhered to consistently and not simply a token gesture of support. 5. Implement and communicate support package Make sure that all employees are aware of the various types of support they can access at work to help them. Be prepared to receive some concerns that menopause support puts others at a disadvantage and make clear that where workers require support for other reasons, for example a long-term health condition, they can access specific support through other channels. 6. Encourage menopause allyship Educating the whole workforce on why menopause matters can help spread the message that this is something that ultimately affects every one, whether they experience it themselves or have a colleague, partner, relative or friend who is affected. Encourage colleagues to call out microaggressions or "banter" about the menopause and promote better understanding around the topic. Educating the whole workforce on why menopause matters can help spread the message that this is something that ulti mately affects everyone." ‘‘

Where can retailers find out more? A great place to start is by listening to the first episode of RPC's newly launched podcast The Work Couch, where we discuss how the current law protects employees from discrimination due to menopausal symptoms and the Government's recent rejection to calls to make the menopause a protected characteristic. We also hear first-hand from one of our RPC colleagues about how the menopause has impacted her at work, the challenges she faced, and the support that she has found most helpful. The Work Couch, your fortnightly podcast on all things employment, explores how your business can navigate today's tricky people chal lenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law. To stay up to date with the latest episodes, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you would like to speak on a future episode of The Work Couch about a particular HR topic or workplace initiative, please email us at: theworkcouch@rpc.co.uk. We would love to hear from you!

ellie gelder ellie.gelder@rpc.co.uk

Patrick brodie patrick.brodie@rpc.co.uk