NCI celebrates Athena Swan: second from left, Mary Connelly, HR Director; centre, Deirdre McCarthy, EDI & Training Manager.

On World Menopause Day, October 18th, NCI’s EDI Manager Deirdre McCarthy launches our new guide Menopause in the Workplace. With this guide, NCI aims to de-stigmatise menopause and treat the symptoms like any other health issue, as part of the College's commitment to create an inclusive environment where employees and managers feel able to discuss the issue of menopause and any reasonable adjustments that may be needed. To celebrate the launch, staff are invited to lunch and an interactive workshop hosted by Margaret O'Brien (Balance My Life) on Nutrition, Lifestyle, and the Menopause.

This is the second initiative NCI has launched this month. Earlier in October, NCI launched a Domestic Violence Leave Policy, responding to the prevalence of domestic violence in society and recognising the impact it has on those experiencing it. This leave will provide a period of paid time away from work for staff members who have suffered, are suffering, or are at risk from, domestic violence or abuse, facilitating them to seek assistance in a planned, structured and supported environment, where decisions are victim-led. This leave has been introduced as part of our adherence to the Work Life Balance Act, the regulations of which were passed earlier this year.

Mary Connelly, Director of HR at NCI, commented: "We are delighted to launch these vital initiatives to support our staff. Domestic violence can and does cause real hardship, and it is critical that we, as an employer, support our staff, who are dealing with this traumatic experience. We also have a strong team of women working in our institution and we aim to ensure that they feel valued and supported at every stage of their working life. Menopause will happen to everyone who menstruates; it’s time for employers to properly support their staff who experience some of the more debilitating symptoms."