In a new collaboration, Maven Clinic - the world's largest virtual clinic for women and families - and the British Standards Institution (BSI) - the business improvement and standards company - have joined forces to offer industry-leading menopause support to BSI's global workforce. The initiative, aligned with BSI's workplace standard launched in May, underscores the company's commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces and reducing menopause-related productivity losses. This partnership is set to transform the landscape of workplace menopause support, addressing a critical need in the global workforce.
Through Maven's Menopause and Ongoing Care program, BSI employees now have 24/7 unlimited access to a dedicated team of Care Advocates and menopause specialists. This diverse group includes experts such as OBGYNs, nutritionists, mental health providers, pelvic floor physical therapists and career coaches. The programme also provides clinically sound education and offers provider-moderated drop-in groups to support employees throughout their menopause journey. Virtual care is available in over 35 languages, delivered via video or message chat.
The partnership with Maven Clinic aligns with BSI's workplace standard on menopause, menstrual health and menstruation (BS 30416), which was introduced globally for free in May. The standard outlines straightforward changes designed to create a more inclusive and productive work environment. BSI Director of Sectors - Anne Hayes - emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive menopause support, citing the company's Second Glass Ceiling report, which revealed that 72% of women desire employer action to support women experiencing menopausal symptoms. The report also drew attention to the fact that a fifth of women globally expect to retire before the official retirement age, with menopause-related health issues cited as a barrier to remaining in the workforce by 20% of respondents. The collaboration between BSI and Maven Clinic seeks to address these challenges head-on, providing a model for effective workplace menopause care.
While physical manifestations of menopause, such as hot flushes, are widely recognised, the psychological effects are often under-acknowledged and misdiagnosed. Memory loss, low self-esteem, disturbed sleep, poor concentration and feelings of dread, anxiety and rage are common symptoms experienced by individuals going through menopause. The partnership aims to raise awareness about these issues and ensure that appropriate support is provided to address both the physical and psychological aspects of menopause.
BSI's collaboration with Maven Clinic represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenges faced by women navigating menopause in the workforce. By providing comprehensive menopause support, including virtual care in multiple languages, the initiative not only enhances employee well-being but also contributes to a more inclusive and productive work environment.
