We're proud to announce that we are the first company in our sector to be formally accredited as a ‘menopause friendly employer’. The culmination of a two year journey, this recognition illustrates our ongoing commitment to workplace inclusivity, and is a further example of our people centric culture. We are especially proud of the teams and individuals across the business who stepped forward to make this happen by sharing their experiences, offering insight and understanding and supporting others through a network of Menopause Champions.
The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, established by Henpicked, recognises high standards and proven practices that embrace menopause within the workplace. It is industry-recognised and the only accreditation in its field which requires employers to meet clearly defined standards. To achieve the Menopause Friendly Accreditation, we were assessed by an independent panel and expected to provide evidence and demonstrate the impact and effectiveness of our approach across five key areas - culture, policies and practices, training, engagement and working environment. Considered by many as a mark of excellence for menopause in the workplace, being the first food and drink business to receive the accreditation is a major achievement and a reflection of our focus on the health and wellbeing of our colleagues.
Our menopause mission statement is ‘to be a leading employer in supporting colleagues with the menopause through a supportive and inclusive culture, creating a safe place to talk, to care and to understand’. The menopause being a natural phase in a woman’s life has long been a silent struggle in the workplace. Recognising the symptoms can have a significant impact physically and mentally. Building a shared understanding for both men and women is one example of our commitment to create a safe environment for all women across the business to talk openly, expect support and fulfil their full potential, in and out of work. Being a menopause friendly employer is just one way we out to be an inclusive business you want to work with and for. More information about Avara’s commitment to its people and being a responsible business can be found in its recent ‘For Good’ report, published earlier this Autumn.
Andy Dawkins, Avara Foods CEO said: “With Menopause now a mainstream topic and the importance of workplaces being supportive to all employees, Avara is proud to be a part of a network of businesses that are leading change in creating a supportive and caring workplace. Recognising the menopause is an issue in the workplace for many women, it is imperative there is a strong commitment to being an employer that ensures everyone feels safe in their workplace and cares about physical and mental wellbeing.”
Deborah Garlick, CEO and founder of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace said: “Avara Foods’ approach to being Menopause Friendly is most impressive as it has extended its experience and insight beyond its own organisation and into its wider communities. The cascading effect of menopause friendly behaviour out of workplaces to stakeholders, customers and networks reflects well on organisations. Meanwhile, the positive impact of menopause friendly trained people in wider societies is powerful.”
To find out more about The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, visit www.menopausefriendly.co.uk