We want to highlight the powerful new menopause focused returner programme ahead on the World Menopause Day on October 18th. The programme has been created to support people who want to return to work while addressing the specific challenges commonly faced during menopause…
Revive & Thrive is a joint initiative between industry-recognised Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace and The People Portfolio, experts in returner programmes. Working in partnership with Menopause Friendly Accredited employers, Revive & Thrive will reassure returners that their new employer is committed to supporting their return to the workplace.
In the UK we’re living and working for longer and eight in 10 menopausal women are currently in work. However, according to the Fawcett Society Report, one in four women considers leaving work due to menopause symptoms and one in ten actually does leave so their valuable experience, skills and insight are lost from the workplace.
The irony is that menopause can bring a range of physical, emotional and cognitive changes which can make their return to work challenging. This creates a vicious circle, an untapped resource in todayโs workforce and significant financial and social hardship for many individuals.
Revive & Thrive supports employers to enhance their workplace diversity and tap into this pool of talent while ensuring women returners are upskilled and fully prepared to navigate a smooth return to work.
Personal and financial impact of menopause
โWomen 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,โ says Deborah Garlick, CEO and founder of Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace. โTheir symptoms can further compound a sense of isolation and many also lose their sense of self. We hear from people struggling to make ends meet without having to draw on their pension which, itself, wonโt realise its full potential due to them stopping work early.
โIโm calling on menopause friendly employers to not just stop the future loss of talented staff but to work towards welcoming women back from a career break. Itโs a powerful proposition and with the support of Revive & Thrive itโs very achievable,โ she believes.
OVO piloting the new menopause returner programme
One such Menopause Friendly Accredited employer keen to recruit women returners, OVO is running the first pilot of Revive & Thrive. Having completed the training with the People Portfolio, OVO is now ready to onboard 10 women from the Glasgow area with a view to upskilling and integrating them into the workforce.
โWe know about 50% of our people will experience menopause during their time at OVO, and we want to ensure they feel supported throughout,โ says Kirsteen Sommerville, Menopause Lead at OVO. โThis is why we are thrilled to be a part of the Revive & Thrive programme that prepares women for stepping back into work and getting back into their stride.โ
โMany menopausal women have both the experience and the potential to drive productivity, innovation and leadership within an organisation provided they have the support they need to thrive,โ says Morna Ronnie, founder of The People Portfolio.
โThe Revive & Thrive programme is mindful of the realities of menopause in the workplace and Iโm looking forward to seeing how the OVO pilot progresses. We will act on their feedback to finetune any areas that could be improved before opening this opportunity up to other Menopause Friendly Accredited employers within our network.โ
โRevive & Thrive offers a truly exciting prospect,โ concludes Deborah. โItโs incredible to think that within the next few months, our 120+ Menopause Friendly Accredited organisations could be opening their doors to returners: this could be a game changer.โ
Find out more about the menopause returner programme
If youโre an individual looking for training and support to return to work after a career break due to menopause, visit Revive & Thrive | The People Portfolio to find out more.
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