Hull-based engineering firm, Spencer Group, take the next step in supporting women in the industry by implementing a six-week menopause awareness programme to support staff members going through this stage of their lives.
As a leader in an industry where women make up just 16.5% of the workforce, Spencer Group is committed to championing equality and fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.
October marked Menopause Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, challenging stigma, and enhancing support for individuals going through menopause.
In the UK, around 13 million women are currently peri- or post-menopausal, representing nearly a third of the female population. Acknowledging the effects of menopause on women in the workplace is essential to ensuring they feel supported during this new stage of life.
Spencer Group have shown their commitment to supporting this by holding a six-week Workplace Menopause Programme in collaboration with Fitmums, who hosted and delivered weekly sessions for any colleagues who wanted to attend.
This six-week programme has involved weekly sessions aimed at helping colleagues manage menopause symptoms both at work and at home. This has included walk and talk sessions, giving attendees the chance to chat, share experiences and stay active in a supportive, social setting.
Fitmums also organised a yoga session for the group, introducing relaxation and breathing techniques that can be practised at home to help manage anxiety. Colleagues also took part in a strength and conditioning session, which emphasised the positive impact of resistance training in managing symptoms.
An information session was also held, during which consultant gynaecologist Dr Naomi Chinn delivered an informative talk, offering the group accurate, up-to-date information and the opportunity to ask questions and share experiences in a safe, supportive environment.
Initiatives like this play an important role in breaking the stigma around menopause and women’s health, especially in male-dominated industries like engineering, where such topics can be challenging to talk about openly at work.
The programme saw 16 women sign up, with around five more attending sessions as and when they could. Through this initiative and others like it, Spencer Group continues to advance its mission to inspire and support more women to pursue careers in the industry.
Anne Marshall, Receptionist at Spencer Group HQ, commented:
“From attending the Menopause session, I found that getting together with colleagues and menopause specialists to discuss how we feel and what can be done to make this stage of life easier is very valuable. I now understand the importance of speaking up about my symptoms, taking time for self-care, and knowing I am not alone, that I am normal, which makes such a difference to my wellbeing.”
Michelle Glansfield, Project Coordinator for the Fitmums and Friends Menopause Programme said:
“We had the pleasure of delivering our six-week programme to the wonderful ladies at the Spencer Group. Together we’ve enjoyed walks along the Humber, a relaxing yoga session in the penthouse, an informative talk with Dr Naomi Chinn, and a practical strength and conditioning session. The Menopause Programme gives women the opportunity to take positive steps on their menopause journey.”
Yvonne Moir, HR Director at Spencer Group said:
“It is vitally important to the business that all of our employees, regardless of age or gender, feel fully supported in the workplace. It has been identified that many women struggle with menopause symptoms at work, to the extent that some even feel they cannot continue with their careers.”
“At Spencer Group we want our colleagues to feel able to speak up when they need support and that confidence comes from peer support, education and knowing that the business will listen.”
“Fitmums have provided some great resources, and we hope to continue working with them to support our colleagues.”
