DWF is a provider of integrated legal and business services.
The organisation operates across eight key sectors in numerous global locations.
Challenges
The firm identified a need to assist employees as well as their friends, colleagues, and line managers who were experiencing symptoms of the menopause. Passionate colleagues from the firm created an employee network menopause group to empower all colleagues to be more confident when discussing menopause and seeking the support that would be right for them.
Innovative actions
The group has created a dedicated distribution list and a Teams chat (to assist with member engagement. The group has conducted awareness raising sessions with external experts.
Where possible, they have group representatives at office locations. In some instances (also where possible), there are special cupboards to hold supplies (such as sanitary products and fans) and to store helpful literature.
Evidence of impact
Recommendations from the group have helped to create more detailed and refreshed content in the firm’s dedicated Menopause Hub. As a result of these efforts, there has been a 250% increase in unique visitors to the Menopause Hub in the period from February to August 2022 (compared to the previous period from August 2021 to February 2022).
In conjunction with the efforts of the network group, the firm conducts an annual awareness raising webinar. After the latest webinar, a survey of attendees returned 87.5% of respondents advising that they felt the session had made them feel more confident in discussing the menopause.
The number of people in the network group has increased dramatically since its inception. Menopause coffee and chat virtual sessions have likewise seen increased attendance as have all other events delivered.
Feedback from members has driven new actions around the menopause. One such action has been the firm’s development of a menopause policy. Another is an invitation for employees to sign a Menopause Workplace Pledge. While DWF encourages colleagues to sign the Menopause Pledge, the organisation has also signed up as an employer.
The firm has made a commitment to build awareness by offering annual menopause training and marking World Menopause Awareness Day every year.
The information contained within this resource was accurate at the time of its publication. This article was created in February 2023.