The latest update from Simplyhealth;
Leading healthcare services and health cash plan provider, Simplyhealth, has been recognised for its commitment to creating a menopause-friendly workplace, winning the Best Trained Workforce (Menopause) award at the Henpicked Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2026.
The award recognises organisations that have invested in equipping employees and managers with the knowledge, skills and confidence to support colleagues experiencing menopause, acknowledging Simplyhealth’s commitment to creating a workplace where menopause is understood, openly discussed and actively supported.
The recognition comes at a time when Simplyhealth’s recent Access Gap 2026 research has highlighted menopause and perimenopause as a significant workplace health challenge across the UK workforce, reinforcing the importance of workplace education, support and open conversations. The research found that employees experiencing menopause or perimenopause worked 7.6 days while unwell or injured each year, compared with five days across the wider workforce. It also revealed that almost half (46%) would like access to menopause support through their employer but do not currently have it, while 91% believe people at different life stages require different types of healthcare support.
Simplyhealth’s award-winning programme was developed in response to colleague feedback and has transformed menopause support from an awareness initiative into a workforce-wide capability programme. Guided by its purpose to improve access to healthcare and its value of All Together Healthier, the organisation has embedded menopause education across the colleague experience through mandatory learning, expert-led education, awareness campaigns and practical support resources.
A key feature of the programme is its inclusive approach. The training was co-created with members of Simplyhealth’s Menopause Support Group and informed by lived experiences, ensuring the content is relevant, practical and meaningful. Learning pathways were tailored for colleagues currently experiencing menopause, those who may experience it in the future, and those who want to better understand menopause in order to support others.
Unlike traditional awareness campaigns, Simplyhealth’s initiative places equal emphasis on employee and manager education, ensuring support is embedded throughout the organisation. Colleagues have access to practical guidance and resources, while managers receive dedicated training to help them navigate conversations confidently and make appropriate workplace adjustments where needed.
The impact of the programme has been significant. Recent colleague survey results found that:
- 89% of colleagues believe Simplyhealth has created a culture where menopause can be discussed openly.
- 96% of managers feel confident supporting colleagues experiencing menopause.
- Membership of the Menopause Support Group has grown to 70 colleagues.
- A network of 14 trained Menopause Champions has been established to provide peer support and advocacy across the business.
The results demonstrate how Simplyhealth has moved beyond awareness raising to create lasting behavioural and cultural change, helping colleagues feel more confident discussing menopause, seeking support and supporting others.
Angela Sherwood, Chief People Officer at Simplyhealth, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive the Best Trained Workforce award. Menopause affects everyone differently, and creating a truly supportive workplace means ensuring colleagues and managers have the confidence and understanding to have meaningful conversations and provide the right support when it is needed.
“This recognition reflects the commitment of our colleagues, Menopause Champions and Menopause Support Group, who have helped us create a culture where menopause can be discussed openly and support is accessible. Our Access Gap research highlights the barriers many people experiencing menopause continue to face in accessing healthcare and support, reinforcing the important role employers can play in helping people thrive at every life stage.”
Through workforce education, tailored health support and ongoing colleague engagement, Simplyhealth continues to champion more inclusive workplaces and improve access to healthcare at every life stage, helping employees stay healthy, productive and supported throughout their careers. This approach reflects the findings of its Access Gap 2026 research, which calls for more personalised health and wellbeing support that reflects the realities of modern working life
Be the first to comment