Lidl Ireland has this week become the first company in Ireland to receive gold-level menopause accreditation from the Menopause Hub Academy.
The Menopause Hub Academy is a centre of excellence for all things menopause, setting a new standard for workplace inclusivity and support.
First introduced for Irish firms in June 2024, the accreditation recognises organisations that actively support employees coping with debilitating menopause symptoms.
The organisation announced the honour ahead of World Menopause Day, on Friday 18 October, following a comprehensive online and workplace review of Lidl’s policies, initiatives and commitment to supporting menopause in the workplace.
‘Part Of The Conversation’
Speaking about the honour, the chief people officer of Lidl, Maeve McCleane, said, “I am delighted to accept this accreditation, which recognises Lidl’s commitment to menopause awareness in this organisation.
“We’re very proud to continue to advance our partnership with the Menopause Hub Academy and to be the first company in Ireland to gain this accreditation, at the very highest standard, and demonstrate leadership in this important area.
“While not everyone experiences menopause, everyone should be part of the conversation.”
Over the past three years, Lidl Ireland has worked closely with the Menopause Hub to create a more inclusive workplace.
The academy noted one of Lidl’s initiatives – a menopause buddy programme, to encourage open communication and support – as a standout.
It also noted the retailer’s revised policies and support guidelines, free consultations with Menopause Hub specialists, regular educational sessions for all employees, and in-focus themed content distributed to employees through Lidl’s internal channels.
In addition to this, the hub awarded Lee Donoghue, store manager at Lidl Castlerea, the inaugural Male Allyship Award at the second Menopause Workplace Excellence Awards on Thursday 10 October.
McCleane said, “We have to keep the conversation going and advocate for a new norm in workplaces, developing compassionate leaders.
“As a leader in this area, we are committed to sharing information and best practices across our industry, with hopes to have a real impact on the next generation and the support available to them, to ensure they stay in their roles and keep progressing their careers, ultimately having an impact on female representation at all levels of organisations.”
‘Enhance Inclusivity’
The CEO and founder of the Menopause Hub, Loretta Dignam, said, “The Menopause Academy was developed by the Menopause Hub to recognise organisations that actively support and accommodate employees experiencing menopause.
“It involves implementing policies, educational and training initiatives, and workplace adjustments that enhance inclusivity that provide necessary support during this transitional phase in a woman’s life.”
Dignam continued, “Menopausal symptoms vary wildly among women in their 40s and 50s, ranging from insomnia and hot flushes to anxiety and brain fog, among others.
“Each woman’s experience of menopause will be vastly different.
“Too often, women are forced to suffer in silence or miss a day’s work while they try to cope with symptoms.
“Lidl’s efforts in raising awareness, providing education, offering flexible work arrangements, and ensuring access to necessary resources have truly set a benchmark for excellence in this important area of workplace well-being.”
Menopause support is one of many dedicated initiatives offered by Lidl Ireland to support its 6,000 employees, along with fertility leave, extended compassionate leave, and the removal of a mandatory retirement age.
Read More: Lidl Ireland Named Most Sustainable Retailer In RepTrak Sustainability Index 2024
