Debenhams Ottaway signs Menopause Workplace Pledge

Debenhams Ottaway is one of the first employers in the legal sector to sign up to the Menopause Workplace Pledge. The campaign is run by the Wellbeing of Women charity and encourages companies across the UK to sign the pledge and take positive action to make sure everyone going through the menopause is supported.

Recent statistics show that 42% of women consider leaving their job due to the menopause and 20% of women actually do. We want these figures to drop significantly.

Earlier this year we introduced a menopause policy to encourage open conversations between managers and staff and provided the team with training to raise awareness of the menopause and its impact in the workplace. We have also recently introduced Menopause Champions who are staff volunteers that provide support, advice and signposting to others within the firm who are going through the menopause.

Alex Langley, HR Business Partner comments “The Debenhams Ottaway team is made up of 73% female staff, including half of the partnership and our managing partner. It’s really important that we provide the right support to anyone who is affected by the menopause, whether they are experiencing it themselves or someone in their team is. I am proud to be part of team who recognises the importance of providing this support and hope that many other companies sign up to the Menopause Workplace Pledge.”

The Menopause Workplace Pledge campaign was launched by Wellbeing of Women earlier this year in partnership with HELLO! Magazine and Bupa. Employers who sign the pledge commit to

• recognising that menopause is an issue in the workplace and women need support
• talking openly, positively and respectfully about menopause
• actively supporting and informing employees and partners affected by menopause.

For more information, please visit the Menopause Workplace Pledge website.