Menopause awareness for a Global Advertising Agency
In a dynamic advertising landscape, OLIVER, a pioneering advertising agency, turned to Herpreet Lotay Sharma, founder of MenoMates to navigate the often-overlooked challenge of menopause in the workplace. Recognising the crucial intersection of inclusivity and employee welfare, OLIVER sought to foster a supportive environment that champions understanding and inclusivity for all its team members.
OLIVER acknowledged the significant impact of menopause on its workforce, where approximately 14 million working days are lost annually in the UK due to menopause-related issues. However, prevailing stigma and discomfort hinder open dialogue between employees and employers. OLIVER recognised the pressing need for comprehensive education and practical strategies to support its workforce through this natural life transition.
Empowering Keynote
Herpreet curated a bespoke Menopause Keynote tailored to Oliver's workforce, delivering insights into the physiological changes and stages of menopause. The session delved into the broader impact on various bodily systems and addressed workplace challenges stemming from these changes, fostering empathy and understanding across all levels of the organisation. Furthermore, emphasis was placed on promoting inclusive language and reasonable workplace adjustments.
Pause Café: A Safe Space for Candid Conversations
Complementing the keynote, Herpreet facilitated "Pause Café," an exclusive session designed for male and non-binary colleagues. This candid conversation provided a nurturing environment for open dialogue on the personal and professional impacts of menopause, fostering a culture of inclusivity and support within the agency.
Personalised Support
Herpreet offered one-on-one consultations tailored to individual employee needs, providing personalised strategies to navigate menopause effectively. These sessions took a holistic approach.
Outcomes and Impact
OLIVER initiated a transformative shift in its approach to menopause, culminating in the launch of a comprehensive Menopause Policy. Employees gained deeper insights into menopause, fostering empathy and support across all organisational levels.
Inclusive sessions such as Pause Café facilitated meaningful conversations, contributing to a culture of understanding and support, and the personalised consultations equipped employees with strategies to manage symptoms effectively, enhancing overall well-being and productivity.
Herpreet’s collaboration with OLIVER underscores the transformative impact of proactive measures to address menopause in the workplace. OLIVER's commitment to prioritising employee well-being regardless of gender or life stage sets a precedent for other organisations to follow.
Feedback from participants highlighted the effectiveness of Herpreet’s promoting awareness and fostering empathy within the organisation. Moving forward, OLIVER is poised to continue its journey toward creating an inclusive and supportive workplace environment, reinforcing its dedication to employee well-being at every stage of their professional and personal lives.