DANSKE Bank is to introduce an additional 10 days leave for staff experiencing symptoms of menopause.
The new measures, announced to coincide with World Menopause Day (October 18) include ‘quiet reset spaces’ and medical care within the lender’s private healthcare benefits.
It’s part of a new package of support for the bank’s employees that will include free sanitary products; the availability of desk fans to control the temperature in the workspace; and a desk booking app, where staff can choose where they sit.
Menopause and the implications its symptoms have for a significant proportion of the workforce has come under greater focus in 2022.
The north’s Civil Service announced new flexibility for thousands of its workers who experience menopause in March, while events have taken place to explore the impact on businesses and workplaces.
Health Minister Robin Swann opened the first Menopause NI conference at the Dunsilly Hotel in Antrim on Sunday, which called for more education and training to ‘break the taboo’ of menopause in the north.
ANALYSIS: Menopause is a reality business can't afford to ignore
Commenting on Danske Bank’s initiatives, the lender’s HR director, Caroline van der Feltz said: “Across the business, we aim to facilitate an open, understanding working environment so we have created a detailed support guide and will provide additional training to raise awareness and educate all colleagues and ensuring women feel confident about raising issues relating to their menopause in the workplace.
“Overall, we aim to build a more inclusive culture and our desire for women to see Danske Bank as the place to be for their career through all stages of their life.”
