Women in Advertising and Communications London (WACL) is boosting its drive to raise visibility and bring about policy change to address the impact of the menopause in the workplace with a new event.  

The group is launching its second panel discussion dedictaed to the Menopause. It will feature Conservative MP Caroline Noakes, Melissa Robertson, CEO of Dark Horses (pictured), Mark Read, CEO of WPP and GP and co-founder of My Menopause Centre, Dr Clare Spencer. 

The virtual ‘Menopause in the workplace’ discussion, which is free to attend, will be chaired by Sonoo Singh, founder of Creative Salon. The panel will discuss ways of improving awareness of the menopause in the workplace, how to remove taboos around the subject and whether supporting menopause policies can boost business and improve the bottom line. 

The discussion follows on from last year’s "Menopause: Everyone’s Business", WACL’s first-ever menopause event. At the time, experts discussed issues such as the stigma surrounding the menopause, its impact on women’s physical, emotional and mental health, plus the support, or lack of support, available

Melissa Robertson, CEO of Dark Horses (pictured) has previously written eloquently on the need to change the narrative and break the silence surrounding the menopause. As she explained: "When there are up to 15.5 million women experiencing varying stages of menopausal transition for anything between two and twelve years, it’s too many people, and goes on for too long to be ignored or marginalised.” Dark Horses also open-sourced their own menopause policy, which you can steal here. 

Jane English, Marketing Lead at Channel 4, shared her experience of tackling menopause in the workplace at the first dedicated WACL event. The broadcaster has been a trailblazer in this space, launching its own menopause policy in 2019, when less than 5% of businesses currently have a menopause policy.

As part of Channel 4’s menopause policy women have access to flexible working arrangements; paid leave if feeling unwell due to menopause symptoms, including the sudden onset of symptoms whilst at work; a private, cool and quiet space; a working environment assessment to ensure that their physical workspace is not making their symptoms worse, and an array of support and guidance resources. The broadcaster is also introducing menopause awareness briefings to its leadership teams. 

Helen Normoyle, Co-Founder of My Menopause Centre, who also spoke at WACL’s first menopause event, believes the creative industry can be a force for good in driving the movement to make the menopause mainstream. 

The free to attend ‘Menopause in the workplace’ virtual event will take place on Thursday, 3rd March from 12.30pm to 1.15pm. You can register on Eventbrite here using the password: 3mar