At KPMG, our aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where our people truly feel the menopause is not an issue that needs to be hidden and can talk about it openly without hesitancy or fear of embarrassment.
Menstruation and the menopause can impact a person’s personal and working life. We want all our people to feel supported to thrive with us, and confident in asking for help when they need it. We also want our leaders and managers to fully understand the symptoms and impacts of menstruation and the menopause, and to feel confident in supporting colleagues. That’s why we’re proud to have introduced KPMG’s
Menstruation and Menopause Policy,” says Virginia Smith, Head of Culture, Engagement and Wellbeing.
In 2022, KPMG launched a new Menopause policy, which sets out the support available for colleagues before, during and after the menopause. Since then, in 2024 KPMG refreshed this policy to also cover menstruation and the support available. As part of this policy, all colleagues have access to the Bupa Menopause Plan, which provides staff with a 45-minute consultation with a menopause trained GP, personalised care plan and subsequent follow up appointment in addition to
24/7 access to a menopause trained nurse. We’ve already had over 240 colleagues use our dedicated menopause support service, and we have also established a Menopause Ambassador network and host monthly Menopause Cafes to provide an opportunity for peer support. In addition to this, colleagues have access to free period products and desk fans in all KPMG offices, a remote GP service, options for agile working and access to the employee assistance programme.
Virginia adds, “We recognise menstruation and menopause as a workplace issue and are taking a number of steps to address it and provide the necessary support for our colleagues. Annually, as part of World Menopause Day, we work with the KPMG Network of Women to hold events to highlight the importance of talking about menopause in the workplace, to share experiences, to raise awareness of the associated challenges, and to share lifestyle changes we can make to have a
more positive menopause experience at whatever stage of life we are.”
Our internal wellbeing page on women’s health sets out information about menstruation and menopause, early menopause, common myths explained and how we, as an organisation, can help. We have also set up Line Manager Menopause training to further support our colleagues. This includes a comprehensive guide to support with conversations both inside and outside the workplace, as well as CIPD guidance for line managers to support Performance Managers, Engagement Managers or
line managers in their conversations and responses.