Channel 4 has launched a menopause policy in a bid to “end the stigma” for women.
The broadcaster, which is moving its HQ to Leeds and is opening new creative hubs in Bristol and Glasgow, says it will give women going through the menopause access to flexible working arrangements, paid leave if they are feeling unwell, and cool and quiet spaces to work.
The channel will also offer guidance to staff about how they can be supportive and is introducing menopause awareness briefings to its leadership teams.
The channel's gender equality network 4Women will be responsible for the policy.
Alex Mahon, Channel 4's chief executive, said: “This is Channel 4 living its remit, normalising a taboo subject by making it more visible and we hope that 4Women’s fantastic work will inspire more in the industry to support women in their workplaces transitioning through the menopause.”
Menopause symptoms vary for all women and include hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety, dizziness, fatigue, memory loss, depression, headaches, recurrent urinary tract infections, joint stiffness, aches and pains, reduced concentration and heavy bleeding.
'Too many women suffer in silence'
Channel 4 says it is the first known media company to introduce such a policy in the workplace.
Jane English, who co-chairs the 4Women network, said: “Too many women suffer in silence due to the stigma around the menopause.
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“We wanted to open up the conversation at Channel 4 and in doing so prompt the media industry to also start talking more about how they can better support women transitioning through it.”
Lauren Chiren, whose Bristol business Women of a Certain Stage educates employers on the menopause, says the announcement is a “good step” forward.
“I am delighted to read about the Channel 4 menopause policy being launched," she said.
"Too often women leave their roles or are managed out after years of impeccable performance, simply because no-one knows how to broach the conversation on menopause and put reasonable adjustments in place.
She added: “Educating the entire workforce is crucial. Whether you are in you are in your first role, a graduate - possibly living with a mother struggling with symptoms, managing or being managed by someone transitioning through menopause, or simply approaching or going through this life stage, it is critical to recognise the symptoms, so that the right help and support can be signposted.”