Paula Rix from the Medical Protection Society (MPS) – which Dental Protection is part of – has won the Community Award at the prestigious 2023 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards. Now in its second year, the 2023 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards recognise organisations and individuals whose commitment and determination have succeeded in providing support, solutions and resources that normalise menopause in the workplace.
The panel for the Menopause Friendly Community Award category were moved by what Paula and other nominees had done to demonstrate their passion, drive and commitment to bring about significant change among their organisations, friends and families. Many of the finalists have turned a difficult personal experience into something positive and beneficial for their colleagues. Paula is an operational lead focused on driving improvements in the support provided to members.
MPS was also a finalist for the Best Engagement Campaign Award, alongside organisations including BT, Colt Technology Services and the Department for Education. The judges recognised a wide range of creative campaigns, all serving to raise awareness and inspire conversations about menopause in the workplace. Dental Protection’s 2022 engagement campaign called for more training, support and flexible working arrangements for dental professionals going through menopause to reduce the risk of a potential exodus of passionate and skilled professionals from the workforce.
Professor Dame Jane Dacre, MPS president, said, “This award is a much-deserved recognition for the drive and commitment Paula has demonstrated to changing the culture around menopause in the workplace, including establishing a Menopause Network, training, events and policy. The work Paula started and continues to drive forward is directly responsible for the successful achievement of Dental Protection’s industry-recognised Menopause Friendly Accreditation in 2022.
“Her work and passion also inspired our external campaign, which enabled us to take our internal learnings outside our workplace to influence better menopause awareness and support across the healthcare arena. We are delighted this external work was also recognised as a finalist in the Best Engagement Campaign category.”
Hosted by Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace and powered by headline sponsors HSBC UK, first direct, M&S Bank and Peppy, the industry-recognised Menopause Friendly Employer Awards were presented by broadcaster Louise Minchin on September 14, 2023, at the Royal Lancaster Hotel. Over 350 guests gathered there, while another 250 joined virtually from across the country.