John D Wood & Co. drives change by introducing new wellbeing policies

John D Wood & Co. aims to remove the stigma around health issues and ensure employees feel supported through their life experiences with zero impact to their career.

This October the business has introduced three new policies to support staff and their family members who are impacted by menopause, pregnancy loss and fertility issues, and has also signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge – World Menopause Day is held every year on the 18th October.

59% of the workforce at John D Wood & Co. are women.

• Women at menopausal age make up one of the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce. It is reported that 1 in 3 women will consider reducing their hours or leaving work due to symptoms they experience*
• Pregnancy loss is more common than many people think, with 1 in 4 pregnancies ending in loss during pregnancy or birth. The loss can affect everyone involved physically, mentally and emotionally**
• Despite 68,000 fertility treatment cycles being carried out every year in the UK, and 1 in 6 couples affected, there is currently no statutory right to time off work for fertility treatment***
• Most people who experience fertility problems are reluctant to speak about it in the workplace because they fear it may have a detrimental effect on their career

Managing Director, Polly Ogden Duffy says, “We are committed to supporting, training and educating all employees, in an effort to remove taboos and improve wellbeing whilst at work. Our employees are deserving of our commitment of support at times when they need it most.”

-ENDS-

Sources:
*Office of National Statistics - Government Report on Menopause
** https://www.tommys.org/
*** https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/