Specsavers receives Menopause Friendly Accreditation

Specsavers has been awarded the Menopause Friendly Accreditation, recognising “high standards and proven practices that embrace menopause in the workplace.”

It comes after the company launched its colleague-led menopause network, MenoTalk, in 2022.

MenoTalk provides members with a space to share their menopause experiences. The group meets regularly in order to share feedback to help build a menopause-friendly working environment.

Menopause Friendly Accreditation is industry recognised as a ‘mark of excellence’ for how organisations support staff who are affected by the menopause.

The accreditation was created by Henpicked: Menopause in the workplace, which works with public and private sector organisations to provide support and training around the menopause.

To achieve the accreditation, employers are assessed by an independent panel and must demonstrate evidence of their effectiveness in six key areas: culture, policies and practices, training, engagement, facilities, and evaluation.

Specsavers colleagues Louise Furby and Caroline Milliken launched MenoTalk, and act as the group’s co-chairs.

“We set up our MenoTalk colleague group to give everyone affected by menopause a safe, confidential space where members can share experiences and get practical advice,” Furby and Milliken said. “Being awarded the Menopause Friendly Accreditation is testament to the supportive environment this has created.”

They added: “We look forward to continuing to expand on the advice, support, and education throughout Specsavers.”

Deborah Garlick, founder and CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, said: “Specsavers has done exceptionally well to achieve the Menopause Friendly Accreditation and deserves credit for the success of its MenoTalk programme.

“We know that open discussions, supportive conversations and creating a psychologically safe environment are key to making lasting and meaningful change for colleagues.”

Garlick added: “I have no doubt that Specsavers colleagues will feel the benefit of it being a menopause friendly employer, and I hope this positivity will cascade to its customer community as well.”