These banks are now endometriosis-friendly employers

Three major banks have pledged to support female employees by joining the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme. 

In 2019, charity Endometriosis UK launched the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme to raise awareness of the condition, and to support those who are affected by the gynaecological disease. The primary aim of the scheme is to help businesses provide an environment for employees with endometriosis to allow individuals to continue to work at the same level.

“It’s great that more of us are happy to discuss health and wellbeing at work having lived through the challenges that Covid-19 brought,” says Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK. “By showing their employees they are valued and can expect support and reasonable adjustments to help those with endometriosis and menstrual conditions succeed at work, such companies are likely to have a more engaged workforce and more effective staff.” 

Since launching, more than 80 public, private and non-profit organisations have shown their solidarity by joining the scheme – banks HSBC UK, M&S Bank and First Direct are the most recent additions. 

The charity is currently marking Endometriosis Action Month (March) by encouraging more businesses to create engaging ways to support the disease, by developing policies and advocating inclusive cultures.

“Endometriosis is not just a women’s issue,” says Cheryl Bosi, Head of Human Resources at HSBC UK, “it affects women and their families, and often at key stages of their careers. Last year we were proud to be the first Menopause Friendly accredited employer in the UK, and we are happy to now be working with Endometriosis UK to help break the taboo about the disease.

“Helping all our colleagues better understand and feel comfortable talking about the health issues that can impact their lives and those around them is the right thing to do for our people and our business.”