Date published: 30 August 2023
Stonewater’s menopause lead has been shortlisted for The Community Award at this year’s Menopause Friendly Employer Awards.
Maria Hathaway, who was nominated for the award by her colleagues, has been shortlisted in recognition of her work in creating a menopause friendly and supportive workplace, alongside her ongoing support of colleagues in this area.
The awards aim to celebrate the work that Menopause Friendly members and those working towards Menopause Friendly Accreditation, such as Stonewater, are doing to change the lived experience of those going through menopause. The Community Award looks to recognise the person who has displayed the biggest support, either for others around them or by taking a lead to make their own organisation menopause friendly.
Over the past two years, Maria has helped develop a dedicated menopause policy, which incorporates several menopause initiatives including a Menopause Listening Group which she hosts monthly, access to benefits such as 24-hour GP support and counselling services, and funding for HRT prescriptions.
She also organises and hosts regular menopause awareness raising events including International Women’s Day talks and a ‘Menovest Day’ giving Stonewater’s male colleagues the opportunity to experience menopause symptoms.
Maria, who carries out her menopause support in addition to her full-time role of Head of Finance Business Partnering, is also a trained Menopause Champion, accredited through Women of a Certain Stage, supporting colleagues with additional resources, signposting, or simply having someone to listen.
Nicholas Harris, Chief Executive at Stonewater, said: "At Stonewater, women and assigned female at birth individuals make up almost 70% of our total workforce, with two-thirds of those of menopausal or potentially menopausal age. This means that at any time a considerable proportion of our colleagues will be experiencing symptoms of the menopause.
"Maria’s work in guiding and implementing our policies, initiatives and support groups has had, and will continue to have, a significant positive impact on colleagues across our organisation. Her passion for supporting colleagues through the menopause and creating equality in the workplace is extremely valued and appreciated by us all, and we are incredibly pleased that it has been recognised by this well-deserved award shortlisting."
The 2023 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards winners will be announced at a ceremony on 14 September at The Royal Lancaster London.
Previous winners include Thames Valley Police, Santander, and Boots, with Leicestershire County Council taking The Community Award title in 2022.
