Marvin OnumonuRenfrewshire Council has been awarded Menopause Friendly Accreditation.
It employs 8,500 people, 75% of whom are women, with an average employee age of 46.
The council said it focused on listening to employees and finding ways to reach everyone with training, engagement and resources.
Key changes included paid menopause leave, ‘Let’s Pause’ monthly get-togethers and virtual learning events in the RenTalks Learning for Life sessions.
These sessions feature expert speakers covering topics such as lifestyle medicine, hormone replacement therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy for managing symptoms.
The council said achieving the accreditation supports its aim to make every colleague feel valued, respected and able to thrive.
The process helped normalise conversations about menopause, reduce stigma and encourage sharing of experiences.
Fiona Sinclair, Organisational Development Advisor and Menopause Champion at Renfrewshire Council, said: “Receiving Menopause Friendly Accreditation is a great endorsement of our approach to looking after our employees’ wellbeing and helping everyone to be happy, healthy and productive at work.
“As our Menopause Champion, I’ve seen first-hand the difference it makes when people feel genuinely supported and listened to.
“Menopause can be an incredibly challenging time and knowing that our colleagues don’t have to face it alone is something I’m proud of.”
Sinclair added: “Our senior leadership, managers, trade unions and elected members have backed this work wholeheartedly, not just in words but in real, practical action which has created a culture where compassion, understanding and inclusion truly matter.
“This accreditation recognises that shared effort but, for us, it’s not the end point.
“We’re constantly learning, improving and strengthening the support we offer to enhance the health and wellbeing of all our people.”
Deborah Garlick, founder and CEO of Henpicked, said: “Renfrewshire Council achieving Menopause Friendly Accreditation is a brilliant example of what meaningful, organisation-wide commitment looks like.
“This is about listening carefully to colleagues across very different roles and locations, acting on what they say and embedding support in ways that are practical, inclusive and accessible.
“The Council has created a culture where menopause can be spoken about openly, stigma is challenged and people feel genuinely supported to thrive at work and that is exactly what this accreditation is designed to recognise.”
