Holland & Barrett pledges better support for menopausal customers and staff

Holland & Barrett has joined forces with GenM in a bid to “normalise” the conversation about the menopause and better meet the needs of its perimenopausal and menopausal customers and staff.

The retailer, which has more than 800 stores in the UK and Ireland plus another 800 around the world said it was “dedicated to improving” the menopause experience for the 15.5 million menopausal women in the UK and to support underserved customers and colleagues.

Holland & Barrett has signed up to a six-point ‘GenM Pledge’ as part of the tie-up.

Pledge commitments include: improving education of the 48 symptoms of menopause,  increasing visibility of menopause support products and services and better representing menopausal woman in future brand campaigns.

It’s not the first time that Holland & Barrett has attempted to “break the silence” around the menopause, having launched the ‘ME.NO.PAUSE’ campaign in 2018.

Holland & Barrett Chief Business & Science Officer Tamara Rajah said: “Supporting women through perimenopause and menopause fits right at the heart of our purpose to make health and wellness a way of life for everyone.

“Here at Holland & Barrett we are committed to raising awareness of the effect on everyday quality of life, giving women the confidence to talk openly about the impact on their lives, and building the most helpful suite of advice, support and wellness solutions that can help bring relief from all symptoms - from hot flushes to vaginal dryness to mood changes.

“We are delighted to partner with GenM in achieving these ambitions and together making sure menopausal women in the UK feel thoroughly supported.”

GenM co-founder Heather Jackson said: “With 15.5 million menopausal consumers in the UK alone, our mission is simple, to unite responsible brands, organisations and people, to improve the menopause experience, and to normalise the conversation.

“Menopause affects all whether directly or indirectly and as a society we need to ensure that those entering or in menopause are no longer overlooked at home, at work and across society.

“Brands and Organisations have a clear role to play in driving real change to the change and it’s great to have Holland and Barrett on board with us.”

All 4,500 store colleagues have undergone training to recognise the signs and symptoms of the menopause and the retailer offers a broad range of herbal medicines to help ease symptoms.