As part of a commitment to support staff experiencing menopause symptoms PHL Group announce today, on World Menopause Day, that they will pay for the annual HRT prescription cost for staff on HRT.
“As an Executive Director of PHL Group and someone experiencing menopause myself, I’m proud for us to make this announcement today. For some HRT is an extremely effective therapy for menopausal symptoms and ensures that experienced, knowledgeable women continue to be able to contribute to the workplace with the reassurance of support from their company. Feeling valued at all stages of your career is also an important part of staff retention”
Gemma Bond, PHL Group Director of Nursing & Quality
This benefit sits alongside several initiatives which have been introduced to support employees going through the menopause which include an Employee Assistance Program, a menopause policy, guidance, and training for managers and a PHL Group Menopause champion.
According to the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) nearly 8 out of 10 menopausal women are in work and while 3 out of 4 women experience symptoms, 1 in 4 experience serious symptoms which impacts on their ability to work. Most women’s experience is different, with some women managing physical symptoms such as hot flushes, headaches, poor sleep, and some experiencing psychological symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, lack of confidence and poor concentration.
“I have been on HRT for a couple years now, and it helps me tremendously, It may not be for everyone, but I have really felt the benefits since being prescribed HRT. It is a great feeling knowing that PHL understand the impact of menopause on people’s health and wellbeing. It means a lot to me that my employer is putting these initiatives in place to support me, and many of my colleagues who are going through menopause.”
– PHL Employee
The introduction of this initiative reinforces the Menopause Workplace pledge made last year by PHL Group to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment for employees going through the menopause. Every year on World Menopause Day we aim to raise awareness, break the stigma, and highlight the support options available for improving health and wellbeing.
Menopause is not only an age or gender issue, it affects everyone. Most people will know someone going through menopause, whether it is a mother, sister, friend, colleague, or manager. Three out of five working women between the ages of 45 and 55 who are experiencing menopause symptoms say it has a negative impact on them at work.
