City Hall staff will be eligible to take menopause leave as part of a “world-leading” policy announced by Sadiq Khan on Tuesday.
Marking International Women’s Day, the Mayor of London announced the new policy will provide practical support to City Hall staff going through menopause.
It will include “temperature-controlled areas” in the building, flexible adjustments to the working day and time off when experiencing severe symptoms.
Mr Khan said he wants to “challenge the taboo” around menopause in the workplace so staff members do not feel embarrassed or anxious when seeking advice or support.
The policy – which was a manifesto pledge for Mr Khan – also requires all City Hall staff to have a general awareness of menopause and to challenge any inappropriate behaviour or remarks.
The Mayor of London has said he hopes other workplaces in London and across the country will “learn from our approach and follow suit”.
He said: “Employers have a responsibility to create truly inclusive workplaces and part of that means ensuring there is an understanding of the menopause and how it can affect staff, and challenging the taboos surrounding the subject, which all too often prevent people from getting the support they need.
“I am a proud feminist and strongly believe that women of all ages deserve to feel welcomed and accepted at work. This is why I am pleased to announce that City Hall is leading the way with our progressive menopause policy.
“There should be no stigma or shame associated with the menopause, and by opening up this conversation, I want to show that a workplace discussion about menopause is normal, and that we can remove the stigma around those experiencing the menopause.”
Research has shown 80 per cent of women will experience noticeable physical and psychological menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, anxiety and disrupted sleep.
Another survey found three in five menopausal women in the UK were negatively impacted by symptoms at work while around one million women have left their jobs due to menopause symptoms.
The policy announced on Tuesday has been welcomed as “bold” and “supportive” by public service union UNISON.
Christina McAnea, general secretary of UNISON, said: “The emotional and physical changes of the menopause can’t be underestimated. Nor can their effect on women’s jobs.
“Good employers want to ensure the best possible working environment. Women must be able to do their jobs in comfort and not feel stigmatised either.
“Flexible working can make a real difference. Employers must also be careful not to penalise women for taking more time off sick if it’s down to the menopause.”
She added other employers should follow suit by “fostering a safer, fairer workplace for women experiencing the menopause” as “that’s the way to encourage experienced and skilled staff to stay in work”.
