Now in its second year, the 2023 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards recognise organisations and individuals whose commitment and determination have succeeded in providing support, solutions and resources that normalise menopause in the workplace. Two new categories this year celebrated the work of SMEs and organisations fully embracing diversity and inclusion.

“The winners this year came from a diverse range of organisations, large and small, including a government department, high street bank and NHS organisation alongside a football club, university and telecoms giant,” says Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace. “I was delighted to hear from the Menopause Friendly Independent Panel that not only was the standard exceptionally high, but the creativity, energy and commitment from employers was outstanding.

“The Independent Panel was looking particularly for the impact achieved within the workplace. This reinforces the point that just having a policy in place is not enough and it’s only through action and continued commitment that impact will be felt and the lived experience of menopause in the workplace changed for good.”

Notable among the winners were the number of traditionally male-dominated businesses, public services and smaller organisations. Once again, the courage, conviction and commitment shown by individuals entering the Community Award and the Carolyn Lazurus Award were immensely moving. The standard was extremely high leading the Independent Panel to give some Highly Commended awards for outstanding achievements and naming joint winners in the Community Award as they simply couldn’t choose between them.

“I’ve said it before and will keep on saying it: a menopause policy going dusty in a drawer won’t cut it: employers must put it in practice, make it live and breathe,” says the Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee. “It takes action, commitment and often a great deal of courage to step up to change the lived experience of menopause in the workplace. The Menopause Friendly member organisation commit to sharing their insight and best practice with other employers. I would urge any business that doesn’t yet have a successful workplace strategy in place to get in touch and learn from others to fast-track becoming a menopause friendly employer.”

The winners of the 2023 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards are.

Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year
Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year – Thames Valley Police
Small Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year – Marine Management Organisation
Highly Commended – Bristol Myers Squibb

Most Inclusive Menopause Friendly Employer
Joined Up Care Derbyshire

Most Open Workplace
Santander

Best Engagement Campaign
Department for Education

Most Menopause Friendly Environment
QVC

Best Trained Workforce
Bristol Myers Squibb

Best Training Initiative
BT Group
Highly Commended – Dentons

Best Support Group
WTW
Highly Commended – Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Most Supportive Partner
Huddersfield Town Football Club

Community Award – joint winners
Paula Rix – Medical Protection Society

Gill Thomas – Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

The Carolyn Lazurus Award
Maureen Montague – University of Greenwich