Breaking Barriers: Bentley Motors’ journey to supporting menopause in the workplace
Allison Christou, Sustainability Programme Manager at Bentley Motors, talks about how they have overcome the challenges of supporting those affected by menopause and opening up the conversation.
As a large manufacturing organisation, what are the challenges you have had in supporting menopause in your workplace?
Our first challenge was raising awareness of the topic so that all colleagues felt confident in talking openly about the menopause. It is also really important that we communicate effectively with all colleagues and this can be particularly challenging in areas where our colleagues have limited access to IT e.g. production. Reaching all colleagues is crucial for us to convey the availability of support groups and services.
How have you been addressing this challenge?
Through close collaboration with our Production Leads, Optima Health (our occupational health provider) and our wider Wellbeing initiatives such as our Befit and BeSafe Programmes and our BeAccessible network, we have explored ways to support all colleagues.
Through these collaborations, we have implemented the monthly menopause support group, menopause cafes and informative presentations, all of which take place after the production shift finishes to enable all colleagues to attend.
In addition, we have implemented menopause training, knowledge-based articles and reasonable adjustments that colleagues can request. It is essential for us to engage both male and female colleagues and managers, as the impact of menopause can be significant on openness and communication.
Can you share a recent initiative that you’ve undertaken to support your employees?
We recently organised an extraordinary talk featuring a UK leading GP and menopause specialist which was a fantastic experience for our colleagues.
The interview had an audience of around 100 people either in person or via live stream, with many more colleagues watching the recording at a later time.
This initiative has been well-received, with many employees engaging with the content. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to provide valuable resources and support for all our employees, ensuring they have access to essential information and services for their well-being.