Government appoints first Menopause Employment Champion

The government has appointed its first Menopause Employment Champion and is calling on businesses to do more support women experiencing the menopause at work.

Helen Tomlinson, Head of Talent (UK & Ireland) at The Adecco Group, has been appointed to the independent role by the Department for Work and Pensions and will work closely with the Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression, Mims Davies MP.

As Menopause Employment Champion, Helen will focus on workplace support and raising awareness of menopause related issues. This could include advising employers on small but significant changes they could make to the workplace, such as offering those experiencing symptoms more regular breaks, a choice of uniform or creating cooler spaces in offices for those experiencing hot flushes.

Helen Tomlinson brings to the voluntary role over 30 years’ experience within the recruitment and employability sector, and also hosts a podcast on menopause and work. During her time at Adecco, she has also developed and introduced the recruitment giant’s own menopause policy, which launched in 2021, and includes training for managers, and the creation of a menopause community of allies to provide support and advice.

Menopause Employment Champion, Helen Tomlinson said:

“I have witnessed the transformational power that opening up conversations on the menopause can have in a workplace. By creating safe spaces by educating management and creating allies across workforces, women can be supported and empowered to manage their symptoms and thrive in work.

“Less than a quarter of UK businesses currently have a menopause policy, but as I take on this role, I am determined that my generation of women in work will break the menopause taboo and have confidence that their health is valued.

“I look forward to working with women and leaders across all sectors of work to address this gap and make a difference for current and future generations.”

Department for Work and Pensions Minister, Mims Davies said:

“Menopause is a major driver of too many women leaving the workforce early, often when they are at the peak of their skills and experience with so much more still to contribute.

“We are committed to ensuring any stigma is addressed associated with menopause and its symptoms which can vary.

“Working positively with employers is vital to ensure they can recruit and retain women experiencing menopause and stop women perhaps considering giving up their employment due to the impact.

“I look forward to working closely with Helen, to achieve our goals of driving positive workplace change to help realise the full potential of women, businesses, and the economy by assisting women at any age and career stage to be properly supported and thrive in work.”

The creation of the new Menopause Employment Champion voluntary role comes ahead of International Women’s Day on Wednesday 8th March, with a number of events planned for Stockport this week to mark the occasion.