Lenovo UK & Ireland Achieves Menopause Friendly Accreditation
In a significant step towards fostering an inclusive workplace, Lenovo UK & Ireland has achieved the esteemed Menopause Friendly Accreditation. This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to supporting employees experiencing menopause, both in and out of the workplace.
The Menopause Friendly Accreditation was introduced by Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace in 2020. It serves as an industry-standard marker of excellence, awarded to organizations that adopt a well-rounded approach to supporting employees through menopause. The process of earning this accolade involves a thorough assessment by an independent panel, which evaluates the organization’s effectiveness in five key domains: culture, policies and practices, training, engagement, and the overall working environment.
Lenovo, a global leader in technology, employs over 800 individuals in the UK and Ireland, with offices located in Farnborough, Glasgow, and Dublin. Within the company, the Menopause Employee Resource Group (ERG) plays a critical role in providing support to those impacted by menopause and perimenopause. This group ensures that affected employees receive the necessary support during this pivotal phase of their lives. The programme aims to:
Break the Taboo
The initiative seeks to dismantle the stigma surrounding menopause by encouraging open discussions and raising awareness. This approach aims to cultivate a workplace environment that is both inclusive and understanding.
Build Empathy and Understanding
One of the core objectives is to educate both employees and managers about menopause, highlighting its symptoms and its potential impact on both personal and professional lives. This educational effort is intended to foster empathy and understanding within the workplace.
Lobby for Support
Lenovo advocates for the implementation of policies and practices that accommodate the unique needs of employees experiencing menopause. This includes flexible work arrangements and necessary modifications to the working environment.
Educate Employees
The programme provides training and resources designed to help both employees and managers better understand menopause, equipping them with the knowledge to support colleagues effectively.
Integrate into Broader Health and Wellbeing Initiatives
Menopause support is integrated into Lenovo’s broader health, wellbeing, and inclusion strategy. This is achieved by leveraging existing resources, such as the Employee Assistance Programme, and offering access to health and wellness programmes.
Communicate Commitment
It’s crucial for Lenovo to communicate its commitment to being menopause-friendly. This is achieved through internal channels such as newsletters, intranet, webinars, and events, ensuring that all employees are aware of the available support.
In addition to formal policies, Lenovo has implemented several informal practices to support employees experiencing menopause. These include:
- Peppy App: This app provides expert, personalized, and confidential support for menopause-related issues, accessible at any time and from anywhere.
- Everywoman Menopause Toolkit: This resource offers a range of content, including articles, podcasts, and webinars on menopause, and connects women, businesses, and organizations globally.
- Menopause Champions: These are trained members of the Menopause ERG who are available for private discussions with colleagues, providing support and guidance.
- Adjustments to Office Environment: Lenovo has made various adjustments to its office environment, including onsite air-conditioning, fans, provision of period products, quiet spaces, frequent breaks, a hybrid working environment, and flexible working hours.
Adrian Criddle, VP and General Manager of Lenovo UK & Ireland, expressed his pride in receiving the Menopause Friendly Accreditation. He stated, "We are incredibly proud to receive the Menopause Friendly Accreditation. This recognition reflects our dedication to creating a workplace where all employees feel supported and valued. Menopause can be a challenging time, and we believe that supporting our employees through all stages of their lives is crucial to maintaining a happy, healthy, and productive workforce."
Deborah Garlick, CEO and founder of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, also commented on Lenovo’s achievement. She noted, "Lenovo recognises the importance of combining formal policies and procedures with personalized adjustments, support, and discussions in the workplace. This is a powerful combination that shows Lenovo stands firm with changing the culture of its organization by openly acknowledging colleagues experiencing menopause while ensuring individuals can access practical and emotional day-to-day support as they need."
With this accreditation, Lenovo joins an elite group of employers recognized for their menopause-friendly practices. This group includes FTSE 100 companies, charities, public sector bodies, high street retailers, global banking groups, and football clubs. These organizations proudly display their badge, signifying their commitment to making workplace adjustments and implementing practices that transform the lived experience of menopause for their employees.
The significance of this accreditation cannot be understated, as it highlights the growing awareness and proactive approach being taken by companies to address menopause in the workplace. By setting a standard of excellence in this area, Lenovo is paving the way for other organizations to follow suit, demonstrating that supporting employees through all life stages is not just a moral obligation but a strategic business decision that leads to a more inclusive, empathetic, and productive workforce.
For further information on the Menopause Friendly Accreditation and Lenovo’s initiatives, interested readers can visit the official website of Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace.
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