This International Women’s Day, AkzoNobel, the leading paints and coatings business, is proud to announce that it has received the Menopause Friendly Accreditation (MFA), the mark of excellence for menopause at work.
Starting out as a colleague-led initiative, the Menopause Awareness and Activity Programme began in 2021. This was quickly championed by senior leadership and Thrive, AkzoNobel’s wellbeing initiative with eight support networks created by colleagues for colleagues covering topics from mental health support to physical health advice. Under the programme, several activities have been undertaken since its inception and were highly regarded by Menopause Friendly UK’s Independent Panel of Experts.
Key initiatives include:
- A comprehensive Menopause Guidance Policy was launched in October 2022 in partnership with key HR stakeholders, which includes accommodations and adjustments available to colleagues, such as flexible working hours, access to private rest areas, and options for remote work.
- Introduced several menopause awareness training sessions for colleagues and managers in November 2022 in collaboration with Henpicked, one of the UK’s largest, fastest growing communities for women over 40, run by Menopause Friendly UK.
- In 2023, AkzoNobel introduced a lightweight uniform across its Dulux Decorator Centre stores in response to feedback from colleagues experiencing menopause who highlighted the need for more comfortable work attire.
AkzoNobel has successfully facilitated a cultural shift in the business where colleagues feel confident discussing menopausal symptoms and seeking the necessary support and adjustments.
It is estimated that nearly 6 million of the UK workforce are experiencing menopause, yet 25% consider quitting their jobs due to their symptoms. Three quarters of those going through menopause experience symptoms – however, almost half will not share their symptoms through fear of negative perception.
AkzoNobel’s primary objective is to create a workplace culture where all colleagues feel confident discussing menopausal symptoms and to seek necessary support and adjustments, whilst raising awareness and understanding of menopause. At a time when the construction industry is experiencing skilled labour shortages and only 15% of professionals in the UK construction industry are women, it is more important than ever to ensure a supportive working environment to attract talent and drive more gender diversity in the sector.
Edward Elliott, HR Director UK&I and Nordics at AkzoNobel commented, “We are so proud to celebrate this achievement of officially becoming a Menopause Friendly Employer. This is a true testament to the strong commitment of our colleagues to building a more inclusive workplace. Ensuring those experiencing menopause feel safe in the workplace is vital, whilst also educating the wider team on how to best support those in their lives who are affected.
“We were recently recognised as a UK Top Employer for the thirteenth consecutive year and, as we look ahead into 2025, AkzoNobel looks forward to continuing to create dedicated spaces for interpersonal growth so that employees of all backgrounds feel heard and supported.”
International Women’s Day imagines a more gender equal world, and AkzoNobel is committed to helping to forge this shared vision by providing support for and raising awareness of those experiencing menopause in the company and beyond. This year calls to ‘Accelerate Action’ and AkzoNobel is delighted that its Menopause Awareness and Activity Programme has been recognised by the leading provider of menopause workplace services, Menopause Friendly UK.
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