A powerful initiative is empowering menopausal women to re-enter the workforce.
- Revive & Thrive, a collaboration between Henpicked and The People Portfolio, provides support.
- 1 in 4 women ponder quitting their jobs due to menopause, a Fawcett Society Report reveals.
- The program aids employers in leveraging a skilled yet underutilized talent pool.
- OVO leads in piloting this transformative workplace inclusion effort.
In a significant stride towards workplace inclusivity, a powerful initiative titled Revive & Thrive has been launched to support menopausal women returning to work. This innovative program emerges from a collaborative effort between Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace and The People Portfolio, both recognized for their expertise in addressing menopause and returner programs respectively. The initiative further partners with Menopause Friendly Accredited employers to ensure a supportive environment for returning employees, enhancing both workforce diversity and individual well-being. Given that eight in ten menopausal women are currently employed in the UK, this program addresses a critical need.
According to a report by the Fawcett Society, menopause leads one in four women to consider leaving their jobs, and one in ten actually departs, resulting in the loss of valuable skills and experience from the workforce. Menopause presents various challenges, including physical, emotional, and cognitive changes, which complicate the return to work for many women. This situation not only represents an untapped resource within the labor market but also causes financial and social hardships for individuals and society. Revive & Thrive aims to tackle these problems by upskilling women and preparing them for a seamless return to the workforce.
Deborah Garlick, CEO and founder of Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace, highlights the personal and financial repercussions for women who exit the workforce prematurely due to menopause. She underscores the necessity for employers to not only retain but also welcome back talented individuals who may have taken a career break. She states, “Women who leave work early due to their menopause symptoms can face both social and financial challenges which adversely affect their personal lives and future security.” Garlick calls for a concerted effort from menopause-friendly employers to engage with such initiatives.
OVO Energy, a recognized Menopause Friendly Accredited employer, actively participates in piloting the Revive & Thrive program. OVO has completed preparations to onboard ten women from the Glasgow area, with plans to enhance their skills and integrate them into their operations. Kirsteen Sommerville, Menopause Lead at OVO, expresses enthusiasm about the program, asserting their commitment to supporting staff experiencing menopause.
Morna Ronnie, founder of The People Portfolio, discusses the potential impact of Revive & Thrive, emphasizing its role in equipping organizations to harness the experience and potential of menopausal women. She is optimistic about the pilot program, anticipating valuable feedback to further refine the initiative before it is expanded across over 120 Menopause Friendly Accredited organizations.
Revive & Thrive empowers menopausal women to reintegrate into the workforce, enhancing both their personal and professional growth.
