Vodafone is making a global commitment that will ensure its employees are supported during menopause, it was announced on 8 March to coincide with International Women’s Day. The new commitment will apply across all Vodafone markets and form part of the company’s broader strategy of supporting all employees through every life stage to create a culture of inclusion.

Vodafone published new independent research conducted by Opinium, surveying 5,012 people in five countries aged 18+ who had experienced menopause while at work. Opinium found that:

• Nearly two-thirds of women (62%) who experienced menopause symptoms said that this impacted them at work, rising to four in five (79%) for 18-44-year olds.
• A third (33%) of those who had symptoms said they hid this at work, and 50% felt there is a stigma around talking about menopause.
• 44% of women who experienced menopause symptoms said they have felt too embarrassed to ask for support in the workplace, rising to 66% of women aged 18-44.
• Two-thirds (66%) of women agreed there should be more workplace support for women going through menopause.

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Vodafone estimates that menopause currently affects around 15% of Vodafone’s 100,000 employees. To ensure that all Vodafone employees feel comfortable seeking support, Vodafone’s global commitment will introduce a balance of support and assistance, training and awareness.

This will include rolling out a training and awareness programme to all employees globally, including a toolkit focused on raising understanding of the menopause and providing guidance on how to support employees, colleagues and family members. Existing policies in local markets will also provide support including the ability to take leave for sickness and medical treatment, flexible working and care through Vodafone’s Employee Assistance.

Leanne Wood, Chief Human Resources Officer at Vodafone said: “Vodafone’s global commitment on menopause underscores our drive for a more inclusive culture and our desire for women to see Vodafone as the place to be for their career through all stages of their life. With menopause impacting women for a significant period of their working life, it’s important to us that our environment supports and normalises these life stages by openly talking about and supporting menopause in the workplace.”

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