PEOPLE & PLANET
We are particularly keen to improve women ' s representation in senior positions across the firm and , given the data that 1 in 4 women will consider leaving the workplace because of menopause symptoms , it is imperative that we act now in a proactive way
Yvonne Burke-Garricks Head of Talent Development for UK , Ireland and Middle East at Dentons Menopause part of the wellbeing agenda With over three decades of international experience in the health and fitness industry , Menopause Coach and Corporate Educator Sharon James has developed a specialised focus on working with women and men to provide a comprehensive understanding of menopause .
She says it has taken considerable effort to bring the topic of menopause to the forefront of public discourse , but the culmination of years of work is slowly having a positive outcome . “ In the past year , I have successfully engaged with multinational organisations , persuading them to incorporate menopauserelated initiatives into their overall wellbeing agendas ,” says James .
“ I think as mental health is being normalised and the whole wellbeing in the workplace has come to fruition , especially within the last year , menopause needs to be included .”
James adds that the Middle East region still has work to do , particularly with regard to local companies and communities .
Thornton agrees , saying that there is still a strong stigma attached to discussing women ’ s health , including menopause in the workplace .
The best advice Thornton shares is for companies to recognise when support is needed by women with menopause and facilitate open conversations about what symptoms they are experiencing . Menopause
64 January 2024