09 Aug 2022
I have had a number of conversations with clients recently on the subject of menopause support. Unfortunately Private Medical Insurance (PMI) policies do not provide cover for menopause as this is categorised as the bodies’ natural aging process. However, one of the top PMI providers now offer a standalone a Menopause plan which can be purchased separately.
I have set up this plan for two employers over the last couple of months. The plan provides ongoing support for a 12 month period, and includes the following:
- Appointment with a GP specifically trained in menopause
- Availability to be referred to a specialist or tests
- Prescriptions
- A care plan based on their needs
- Follow up appointments
- 24/7 Support from a trained nurse
Both employers were keen to implement this plan as part of their wider health and wellbeing strategy and were happy to find that a provider was able to provide this specific support.
I read a report by the Fawcett Society recently (Menopause and the Workplace 2022), which found that 44% of women said their menopause symptoms affected their ability to do their job and 1 in 10 had actually left their job due to their symptoms. Some alarming stats which really highlight the need for employers to ensure they are offering the right support for their employees. The plan detailed above is just one of the options available, but the implementation of a robust menopause policy will ensure an employer has set guidelines to provide direction on how to support and manage menopausal symptoms at work.
This should certainly be a priority for employers to ensure they are able to retain key personnel from this demographic who may be at the peak of their careers.
