Menopause revolution at Tesco

Tesco launched its pioneering menopause program 3 years ago, which supports its female colleagues during the transition period through sensitization and honest dialogue. The initiative was launched by Barbara Szigeti, head of HR and Nóra Hevesi, head of communications, the latter herself experiencing the typical symptoms of menopause every day. This is what inspired her to lead a group representing around 30 percent of the company’s female employees to support the work of female colleagues at a changing age and to create the widest possible inclusive culture. With the program, Tesco was the first to earn the Menopause-friendly Workplace certificate.

“Everyone is welcome at Tesco. We value and respect differences, so our colleagues can be themselves and serve our diverse customer base a little better every day. Tesco is a retail company where there are traditionally more women than men. 67 percent of our employees are women, so we have to shape our company culture accordingly: to cater to women, but at the same time to treat men in an inclusive manner. 47 percent of our female employees are over 45 years old; we recognized the importance of providing support to all of our employees involved and those who work with them as team members and team leaders even in this special phase of life. I am proud of the results of our recent staff research, which shows that half of the respondents think menopause is a taboo in society, while more than 60 percent say the topic is not treated as a taboo at Tesco”

– said Barbara Szigeti, HR manager of Tesco Hungary.

“Through the “Tescos Women 40+” closed Facebook group, we offer our female colleagues the opportunity to discuss sensitive topics, share their experiences, and ask an expert. In addition, we also place emphasis on managerial sensitization, and we hold workshops to help our managers understand the biological and psychological background of the changing age. Thank you to everyone who made the program possible, as well as to our concerned, brave female colleagues who contribute to the continuation of the taboo-breaking dialogue. The recognition belongs to all of us”

– said Nóra Hevesi, head of communications at Tesco Hungary.

In Hungary, there are approximately 1 million women in some stage of menopause. They make up the fastest growing demographic in the workplace, yet menopause is still a taboo subject in many companies. During menopause, one in four women experience severe symptoms that affect their quality of life, and these can last up to 10 years. Two-thirds of women believe that they cannot expect help from anyone in general. That is why it is important for the leaders of the organizations to be aware of the processes taking place in women and to support them in this stage of life.