Who won the 2023 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards?
Find out what the 2023 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards aims to achieve for women, and the 2023 winners.
The menopause is most definitely having a moment right now – and not before time! In decades past, it was a shamefully kept secret, something women silently endured and (generally) failed to warn their daughters about, because talking about it just wasn’t the done thing.
As a result, generation after generation of women stumbled into a barrage of physical and psychological symptoms, sometimes as early as in their 30s (and younger), unprepared and unarmed.
Not any more. Today’s generation of peri-menopausal and menopausal women aren’t happy to suffer in silence, or to watch other women do the same. Instead we’re speaking out and making positive change in an effort to increase understanding, treatment and support for women experiencing it.
The Menopause Friendly Awards are industry-recognised
And this includes in the workplace. So much so that, for two years now, Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace has hosted the industry-recognised Menopause Friendly Employer Awards. And to give you an idea of just how seriously these awards are taken, this year they were powered by headline sponsors HSBC UK, first direct, M&S Bank and Peppy.
I was lucky enough to be invited, along with a GP friend to the 2023 awards ceremony, which took place on Thursday September 14, 2023 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, and was presented by broadcaster Louise Minchin. Over 350 guests gathered there while another 250 joined virtually from across the country. Also in attendance was the Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee.
The 2023 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards recognise organisations and individuals whose commitment and determination have succeeded in providing support, solutions and resources that normalise menopause in the workplace.
Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, says:
“The winners this year came from a diverse range of organisations, large and small, including a government department, high street bank and NHS organisation alongside a football club, university and telecoms giant.
“I was delighted to hear from the Menopause Friendly Independent Panel that not only was the standard exceptionally high, but the creativity, energy and commitment from employers was outstanding.
“The Independent Panel was looking particularly for the impact achieved within the workplace. This reinforces the point that just having a policy in place is not enough and it’s only through action and continued commitment that impact will be felt and the lived experience of menopause in the workplace changed for good.”
Traditional male-dominated businesses were among the winners
It was especially heartening to see that the winners included traditionally male-dominated businesses, public services and smaller organisations, proving that every organisation has the potential to make positive, inclusive changes.
My friend and I were sat (and warmly welcomed) at the Bristol Myers Squibb table, and it was clear that every man and woman around the table was equally committed to taking action. (As evidenced in their success in the awards, both this and last year.)
And we need that enthusiasm to effect genuine change. As Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee noted:
“I’ve said it before and will keep on saying it: a menopause policy going dusty in a drawer won’t cut it: employers must put it in practice, make it live and breathe.
“It takes action, commitment and often a great deal of courage to step up to change the lived experience of menopause in the workplace. The Menopause Friendly member organisation commit to sharing their insight and best practice with other employers. I would urge any business that doesn’t yet have a successful workplace strategy in place to get in touch and learn from others to fast-track becoming a menopause friendly employer.”
The winners of the 2023 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards
So who won the 2023 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards? Here is a list of all winners.
Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year
Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year – Thames Valley Police
Small Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year
Marine Management Organisation
Highly Commended – Bristol Myers Squibb
Most Inclusive Menopause Friendly Employer
Joined Up Care Derbyshire
Most Open Workplace
Santander
Best Engagement Campaign
Department for Education
Most Menopause Friendly Environment
QVC
Best Trained Workforce
Bristol Myers Squibb
Best Training Initiative
BT Group
Highly Commended – Dentons
Best Support Group
WTW
Highly Commended – Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
Most Supportive Partner
Huddersfield Town Football Club
Community Award – joint winners
Paula Rix – Medical Protection Society
Gill Thomas – Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
The Carolyn Lazurus Award
Maureen Montague – University of Greenwich
You can learn more about the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards here
