The British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) has launched its menopause policy.
Women over 50 are the fastest growing segment of the workforce – and dental nursing is 98 per cent female. According to a leading HR company, one in four menopausal women consider leaving their job because of lack of support and understanding from employers or managers. Employers who do support their employees through the menopause will benefit from lower sickness absence and employee turnover, as well as increased engagement and loyalty.
Jacqui Elsden, president of the BADN, said, “Given the current recruitment and retention crisis in dental nursing, it is in the best interests of general dental practices to support their employees during this time – not to mention the fact that menopause-related tribunals have doubled in recent years.
“However, the BADN recognises that this is still a difficult subject for many people and many employers may not know how to broach this subject in their practice. We have therefore produced an advice sheet with lists of relevant legislation, useful articles and websites, and a specimen policy to help break this taboo.”
The advice sheet/policy is available on the BADN website www.badn.org.uk
Hard copies will be available on the BADN stand (A22) at BDIA Dental Showcase (ExCeL London) on March 25-26, 2022.
You can also find out more about how workplaces can improve the working environment for menopausal women and the options available for women who feel they’ve been discriminated against in our article here.