Menopause is a natural part of life — shouldn’t we care for employees going through it?
British national television station Channel 4 is leading that charge with a new policy that extends certain benefits to menopausal workers. The plan, enacted after an in-house gender equality group championed the cause, will include paid leave options, more comfortable work spaces and, in general, more flexibility.
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“This is Channel 4 living its remit, normalizing a taboo subject by making it more visible,” Alex Mahon, Channel 4’s chief executive, said in a statement obtained by The New York Times.
The signs of menopause — which often starts between ages 45 and 55 — include hot flashes, chills, mood shifts and sleep problems. In addition to more accommodating workplace policies, Channel 4 will also appoint a “menopause champion,” who will ensure employees’ comfort while grappling with those and other symptoms.
It is perhaps no surprise that Mahon is the first female CEO in Channel 4’s 37-year history. The company believes its menopause initiative is a first among British media organizations.
Mahon added that she hopes the policy will inspire other media companies to support women in their workplaces going through menopause.
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