Menopause awareness at centre of agency's new wellbeing policy

Cluttons is rolling out a family and wellbeing policy to its employees this week, after several months of consultation.

The policy will include specialist menopause awareness, training and support for all employees, plus a toolkit of support and benefits.

Concerning the menopause, all managers will be provided with training and there will be specialist support for individuals directly affected including working flexibility, paid sick leave, access to counselling, specialised support from medical professionals, and other resources. All employees will be given awareness education via an annual spotlight into the condition across the business so that they can support colleagues experiencing symptoms. 

Cluttons says it considers menopause as an especially important part of the policy because it affects people often at the peak of their career who struggle with symptoms at work. 

This week - to coincide with World Menopause Day - it has signed The Menopause Workplace Pledge, put together by the Wellbeing of Women Organisation.

Emily Hollingworth, human resources partner at Cluttons, says: “We have been working hard on this for several months to ensure we produce something that is comprehensive, sensitive, practical and transparent for all our people. In addition to research and consulting experts on various aspects of the policy, the team has engaged with employees across the business to understand sensitivities, awareness and needs to ensure we can deliver a holistic package that will genuinely make a difference to the wellbeing of our people and that the business can be truly proud of.” 

The bereavement part of the policy has been updated to specifically deal with sensitive issues such as fertility, miscarriage and abortion, with leave and support available for both parents. 

Other care packages include updated guidance, awareness and support on diverse forms of neurodiversity; support and leave for people who act as carers in some format to loved ones; and for those who feel that they are currently going through a type of personal crisis. 

In addition to the policy, benefits and volunteering opportunities have also been updated so that employees have easy access to the full range of what is available with any costs or tax savings easily understood and fully transparent.