Hosted by Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace and powered by headline sponsors HSBC UK, first direct, M&S Bank and Peppy, the industry-recognised Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2023 were presented by broadcaster and author Louise Minchin on Thursday September 14, 2023 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel. Over 350 guests gathered there while another 250 joined virtually from across the country.
Now in its second year, the 2023 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards recognise organisations and individuals whose commitment and determination have succeeded in providing support, solutions and resources that normalise menopause in the workplace.
The Most Menopause Friendly Environment category attracted a wide range of applications from sectors as diverse as third sector, public sector and global organisations. There was compelling evidence of excellent practice from organisations ensuring their workplace is supportive, from the provision of free health care consultations and supplying sanitary products in bathrooms through to tailored workplace adjustments.
What QVC are doing to raise awareness of menopause
Supported and spearheaded by the Gender Equality @ Q TMRG (team member resource group), menopause has been a key issue when discussing the topic of gender equality in our organisation.
We launched our first Menopause Policy for team members less than a year ago, in October 2022.
This robust policy aims to make the workplace more inclusive, while normalising discussions around menopause and allowing team members to access vital services and products to support their symptoms – this includes Care Packages rolled out to all UK work places, which are filled with clean clothing and underwear, shower products including a towel, and tampons and sanitary towels. It also includes a shower pass, which means team members don’t have to ask reception for shower access – placing control, convenience, and dignity in our team members’ hands. Packages are available in sizes small, medium, large, and extra-large.
We’re also working towards Menopause Friendly Accreditation and continue to build out our comprehensive product and editorial resource Menopause Your Way, showing up for customers through live TV shows, an expert-developed product offering and a wealth of interviews and articles, providing judgement-free information on all aspects of the midlife experience, from HRT to healthy eating.
Why we won the award
The Independent Panel was particularly impressed by the way in which we listened to our workforce, in order to create a menopause-friendly environment to meet the needs of all our team members.
Along with our care packages, we’ve implemented small (but meaningful) changes that can contribute positively to the everyday wellbeing and morale of our workforce, such as using avatars or having cameras off during online meetings to help colleagues to feel psychologically safe at work.
The panel felt that all activities, large and small, spoke of an organisation focused on providing the best possible experience of menopause in the workplace.
Koreen Fader, CEO and UK Market Lead says:
“I’m so proud of the team for this amazing accomplishment. Your hard work, dedication, and passion really shines through in everything you do to help break the taboo of menopause and this award means that we can celebrate the progress you’ve made for our team members.”
Sarah Malik, Ethics & Compliance Manager and Gender Equality @ Q TMRG Chair, shares her thoughts on this milestone win:
“This amazing team of only 13 people have found the time, in addition to their day jobs, to make a huge difference for all our team members at QVC UK. The thought process, the dedication to achieve results, listening to feedback, negotiation with leaders and putting reasonable adjustments in place has been relentless. In just over 12 months, we have made QVC UK a better place to work, not just for those experiencing menopause symptoms, but also for those working with others who are experiencing symptoms, helping them understand what help is available and enabling a better work environment. I’m so proud to be working with this team and we are very grateful that the hard work of the team has been recognised.”
We were presented with the award by sponsor BAE Systems.
“At BAE Systems, we’re very proud to be sponsoring the MFEA2023 Awards,” says Vicky Bawa, Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion BAE Systems. “The Awards give us a great opportunity to show our commitment to our employees’ wellbeing. In addition, we welcome the opportunity to share our experience and support other organisations as they embrace menopause friendly policies and programmes.”
We’re so proud of this milestone win!
For more menopause stories, advice and interviews, head to the Menopause Your Way Stories hub. To browse and shop a curated edit of menopause products, visit the Menopause Your Way page on QVC.
The content of the QVC website is for information only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the QVC website.
We understand there’s a lot of information out there on the menopause. You can read through the NICE guidance on menopause management, as well as the NHS overview on the menopause.
