Zurich Insurance is rolling out an online learning module to employees raising awareness about the menopause.
The insurer has collaborated with third parties such as Henpecked to deliver menopause awareness training as part of the latest updates to its life stage policies.
The firm’s 700 leaders are currently undergoing awareness training including a session hosted by menopause expert and keynote speaker Lauren Chiren who talks about her own experiences.
This is being supported by a manager’s toolkit, question and answer sessions and direct access to resources and experts on the people team for specific challenges.
And as part of the process, the company is also adding an online learning module for all its 4,500 employees to continue raising awareness across the entire workforce and become more menopause friendly.
The interactive training will feature information about menopause transition and how this might affect staff differently either directly or indirectly.
Content also covers some of the symptoms and challenges staff may experience and signposts to useful information and guidance for family members, friends and partners to help them better understand menopause and how they can support loved ones.
Affected employees will benefit from access to an online menopause support group and virtual café events where they will be part of a supportive community of colleagues who share their experiences.
Within its life stage support policy, Zurich also acknowledged the hormonal changes and aging process for men, and how this can feel very similar to that of a woman.
Steve Collinson, head of HR at Zurich UK, noted before developing the policy the insurer carried out research with more than 100 employees through focus groups, including male and female employees.
“We concluded that educating the wider business on the topic is just as vital as the support we provide for those experiencing it. It’s crucial we create an environment which supports and normalises these stages in life by openly talking about and supporting menopause in the workplace,” he said.
“We already know that so many people feel uncomfortable talking about the menopause, which sadly means that some colleagues will suffer in silence with symptoms that affect both their physical and mental health.
“It’s also very possible that for some they may be unaware that they are going through the transition of menopause, as indicators can be associated with other physical or mental health related ailments,” Collinson added.