The industry-recognised Menopause Friendly Employer Awards are returning for their second year on Thursday September 14, 2023. Organised by Menopause Friendly and powered by HSBC UK, first direct and M&S Bank, the awards evening will celebrate and reward excellence among organisations and individuals going above and beyond to support menopause in the workplace.

Following its successful inaugural event last year, up to 750 people are expected to join the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards in person at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London and online via virtual parties being held across the country. 

Broadcaster, author and menopause champion Louise Minchin will once again host the event.

“I’m honoured to be hosting the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards once again as last year’s event was so uplifting and positive,” says Louise. “The work being done around menopause in the workplace, the commitment we’re seeing from employers and the sheer energy in this space is a sight to behold. It’s a great idea to celebrate the achievements of employers, teams and individuals who are making such a difference and I look forward to meeting everyone on the night.”

Vital support

Supported by HR Magazine, the Awards have attracted a wealth of menopause friendly employers keen to sponsor the categories and tables. Taking their place alongside headline sponsor HSBC UK, first direct and M&S Bank, are Accenture, BAE Systems, Boots and No7, Bristol Myers Squibb, British Airways, Lloyds Banking Group, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Theramex and Vitabiotics. Further sponsors will be announced in the coming weeks.

Their sponsorship is vital to help the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards achieve its aim of making a real difference to other people’s lives by donating its profits to a range of menopause-related charities, programmes and research.  Last year £75,000 went to good causes and this year’s bigger event will look to exceed that.

“We didn’t hesitate to sign up again to be the headline sponsor of the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards,” says Chris Pitt, CEO of first direct. “As the first organisation to be awarded The Menopause Friendly Accreditation we know first-hand the positive impact and the importance of being a menopause friendly workplace. These awards are a great opportunity for people to learn from one another, with best practice tips being shared among guests to encourage an open dialogue and positive change.”

12 Awards – including two new categories for 2023

Open to all Menopause Friendly Member organisations and their employees, the Awards will be judged by the Menopause Friendly Independent Panel against a set of clearly defined criteria.

Shining a light on those going above and beyond in their quest to be menopause friendly, there are 12 Awards – including two new categories this year:

• Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year
• Best Small Menopause Friendly Organisation – new this year
• Most Inclusive Menopause Friendly Campaign – new this year
• Most Open Workplace
• Best Trained Workforce
• Community Award 
• Best Engagement Campaign
• Most Menopause Friendly Environment
• Best Training Initiative
• Best Support Group
• Most Supportive Partner
• The Carolyn Lazarus Award

Timeline for entries and announcements

• Entries Open – May 21, 2023 – Enter for organisation awards and individual awards now
• Entries Close – July 21, 2023
• Shortlist announced – August 14, 2023
• Winners revealed – September 14, 2023

“The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards is more than just a celebration of success: it’s a coming together of like-minded employers who are changing and improving the perception and reality of menopause in the workplace,” says Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in The Workplace. “Meanwhile, the funds raised on the night will help accelerate change around menopause in our wider communities, safeguarding a better future for generations to come.”

To find out more visit: https://membership.henpicked.net/awards/

For further information or to speak to Deborah Garlick or one or more of the sponsors, contact:

Katherine@prworkshop.co.uk / 07787 533143