Bristol Myers Squibb UK&I is first pharmaceutical company to be accredited as a Menopause Friendly Workplace

Uxbridge, Middlesex, 22 August 2022– Bristol Myers Squibb UK and Ireland has been announced as the first biopharmaceutical company in the UK to be accredited as a Menopause Friendly Workplace.

Menopause Friendly accreditation is a recognised standard of achievement awarded by an independent panel of judges, recognising employers who put diversity, inclusion, and colleagues’ wellbeing at the centre stage of their business, without feeling that the subject is taboo or off-limits.

Given that nearly 8 in 10 menopausal women are in work, and that this is the fastest growing demographic in the workforce,[i] Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) recognised the need to help make a difference for its staff. This is especially important given that almost three-quarters of businesses do not have a menopause policy in place, according to a YouGov survey.[ii]

Panel members described BMS UK&I’s application as “outstanding” and acknowledged the huge strides they have made to help normalise the menopause by fostering an inclusive culture where people feel able to discuss menopause-related health problems at work.

Since March 2021, BMS UK&I has pioneered a range of menopause-friendly initiatives to support women at work, including:

• A detailed internal menopause guidance document to support and educate all UK&I staff
• This includes details on the different types of menopause, how symptoms can affect daily work, and signposting to internal and external resources
• A reasonable adjustments form to help accommodate staff experiencing menopausal symptoms
• A Rapid Access Female Treatment Service (RAFT) that allows employees experiencing severe menopausal symptoms in the workplace to be referred to a consultant gynaecologist who is an accredited British Menopause Society specialist
• Training 17 menopause advocates across UK&I sites who help educate, raise awareness, and signpost colleagues on their menopause journey
• A menopause portal developed for employees, by employees, to access support and information
• Training more than 60% of the UK&I workforce on menopause awareness (of which this training is mandatory for People Managers and Occupational Health)

Scott Cooke, General Manager for BMS UK&I, said: “I am so proud that Bristol Myers Squibb UK&I is the first pharmaceutical company to have been officially awarded Menopause Friendly status, highlighting our continued commitment to ensuring that all people affected by the menopause feel supported at work. I am delighted that we are helping lead the way in changing how businesses think about the menopause, and we remain passionate about accelerating change in workplace best practice and fostering an inclusive culture where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work every day.”

Members of the Accreditation board include Professor Jo Brewis, lead author of the Government Equalities Office report on ‘The effects of menopause transition on women’s economic participation in the UK’, and Bernice Allport MBE, former chair of the cross-government Menopause Network.

Jog Hundle, Menopause Friendly Independent Panel member, said: “We’re delighted to see Bristol Myers Squibb achieve Independent Menopause Friendly Accreditation. Their application was outstanding and they’ve made such a difference for their colleagues. They set clear objectives to create a movement to normalise menopause with strong senior leadership support. They’ve demonstrated excellent menopause awareness, education and support within their organisation, creating a culture where menopause is easy to talk about and put in place outstanding support. Well done to everyone involved.”

Lisa Macis, Menopause at Work Project Lead for BMS UK&I, said: “Women should never be pushed out of the workforce because of their experience of the menopause. I am delighted at today’s accreditation announcement, which formally recognises the huge variety of workplace initiatives BMS UK&I has put in place to support its staff in becoming a menopause-friendly employer. BMS UK&I cares deeply about the wellbeing of its staff, and our advocates have helped educate two thirds of our workforce on the menopause to help raise awareness of how it can impact a person at work. I am delighted BMS UK&I’s efforts have been recognised by experts in the menopause field, and we are excited to continue building on this progress.”

[i] Local Government Association. Menopause factfile. Available at: https://www.local.gov.uk/our-support/workforce-and-hr-support/wellbeing/menopause/menopause-factfile#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Faculty%20of,ovaries%20lose%20their%20reproductive%20function Accessed: August 2022

[ii] Irwin Mitchell. Talking The Menopause Taboo. Available at: https://www.irwinmitchell.com/news-and-insights/in-focus/menopause Accessed: August 2022