The London head office of global financial services group Nomura has been awarded Menopause Friendly Accreditation.
With an integrated network spanning approximately 30 countries and regions, Nomura delivers Wealth Management, Investment Management and Global Markets and Investment Banking services to individuals, institutions, corporates and governments.
The Menopause Friendly Accreditation was established by Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace in 2020 to certify high standards and proven practices that embrace menopause in the workplace. Industry-recognised and the only accreditation that sets clear standards which must be met, the Menopause Friendly Accreditation is truly meaningful and considered as a mark of excellence for menopause in the workplace.
To achieve the Menopause Friendly Accreditation, Nomura was assessed by an Independent Panel and had to demonstrate evidence of its effectiveness in five key areas: culture, policies and practices, training, engagement and working environment.
Its decision to become menopause friendly and then work towards accreditation was driven by engaging senior leadership support and commitment to raise awareness, build understanding and reduce stigma around menopause within the organisation.
“We want employees to feel safe talking to their line manager about menopause and ensure everyone knows how to access support,” says Kirsty McLean, Wellbeing Programme Director. “We also want line managers to feel equipped in supporting teams thus creating a healthy workplace culture where everyone can thrive.”
Nomura implemented a full training programme before making adjustments to policies and practices to support its workforce. Investing in its onsite GP to gain a menopause qualification enabling them to provide menopause appointments and referrals made the single biggest impact.
Employees can now book a same day appointment to discuss their concerns without having to wait for an NHS appointment or take time out of work for this. Nomura also has a qualified Nutritional Therapist onsite each week enabling employees to discuss their nutrition in relation to their menopause.
Backing all of this is annual training around managing menopause at work for all employees including line managers.
“We created a Menopause Support Hub within the Mental and Physical wellbeing pillars on our intranet to bring all menopause support into one place,” says Kirsty. “The Hub signposts people to our Menopause Champions whose support is based on their additional training and development which is ongoing.”
By creating physical and virtual safe spaces, Nomura has lifted barriers to full inclusion and equity within the workplace. As a result of being menopause friendly, the organisation has seen a number of benefits including:
- reduced absence due to menopause symptoms with the support of Occupational Health
- a culture shift whereby employees are starting to feel able to talk openly about menopause
- higher engagement in onsite services including the Fitness Centre, GP appointments and referrals, GP Menopause Clinic and Nutritional Therapist appointments.
“We want everyone in Nomura to feel valued, respected and empowered in the workplace, regardless of their stage of life,” says John Goff, Global Head of Structuring & Exec Sponsor of the Gender Balance Network at Nomura. “Given the impact menopause can have on people’s lives, both at work and at home, we believe it’s our responsibility to ensure everyone across our business feels comfortable and supported during this journey.”
“I was greatly impressed to see all Senior Leaders attend our first menopause training session as by engaging the senior leadership team, Nomura sent a clear message of commitment to a shift in company culture,” says Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace. “Updating their in-house GP and nutrition services has been a game-changer while sharing our comprehensive resources and populating their intranet has brought a wealth of information to everyone.”
