LONDON (18 October 2021): Crawford & Company (NYSE: CRD-A and CRD-B), the world’s largest publicly listed independent provider of claims management and outsourcing solutions to carriers, brokers and corporations, is proud to mark World Menopause Day (18 October) with the launch of its menopause policy and support framework for employees in the UK.
Women over 50 are the fastest-growing demographic in the UK workplace, with approximately 130,000 employees in the UK financial services sector dealing with menopausal transition at any one time. Roughly three quarters of women experience physical or psychological menopause symptoms, with one in four suffering severe symptoms, while according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, one in three women have been negatively affected at work due to menopause symptoms.
Crawford has committed to raising awareness and providing support for employees affected by menopause by establishing a comprehensive menopause framework in the UK. As part of the framework, Crawford now offers dedicated menopause counselling before, during and after the onset of symptoms, through its Health Assured employee assistance program. The company has also amended its sickness policy to include optional menopause additional leave of up to 10 days for women experiencing symptoms of menopause.
Crawford has developed a Menopause Guide for employees to encourage more conversation about menopause, increase awareness and signpost to support resources. Further, it has launched its menopause awareness training for leaders and managers delivered by specialist provider, Henpicked.
Other key components of the framework include:
• A series of podcasts with guest speakers sharing experiences and recommending resources.
• Webinars with health experts from AXA PPP and other providers.
• Signed the Workplace Menopause Pledge to take positive action to support people.
• Promotion of the free Balance app to employees, which allows subscribers to track and manage symptoms, access personalized expert advice, and share experiences, and
• Medical support from AXA PPP for employees qualifying for private medical cover.
Menopause awareness also features in Crawford’s Global Diversity & Inclusion Month, a series of virtual inclusion-focused sessions and activities for employees around the world running through October.
Commenting on the announcement, Lisa Bartlett, president, UK & Ireland, Crawford & Company, said: “Menopause has a profound impact on a huge and growing portion of the workforce, yet the lack of awareness and stigma around this subject prevents far too many women from accessing support at what can be a pivotal time in their careers. Crawford is committed to equipping all our employees and line managers with the knowledge, resources and confidence to speak openly and honestly about these issues so that menopausal women get the help they need. It’s time to break the taboo.”
Andrew Bart, president, Loss Adjusting, International, Crawford & Company, commented: “Menopause costs $150 billion in global productivity losses and 14 million workdays in the UK every year. It also clearly contributes to the fact that while women account for 45 percent of the UK financial services workforce, only one in three senior leadership positions is held by a woman. It is therefore vital we learn more about this topic and help this extremely important cohort of employees remain productive and at work by providing the right environment and support.”
About Crawford®
Based in Atlanta, Crawford & Company (NYSE: CRD‐A and CRD‐B) is the world’s largest publicly listed independent provider of claims management and outsourcing solutions to carriers, brokers, and corporates with an expansive global network serving clients in more than 70 countries. The Company’s two classes of stock are substantially identical, except with respect to voting rights and the Company’s ability to pay greater cash dividends on the non-voting Class A Common Stock (CRDA) than on the voting Class B Common Stock (CRD-B), subject to certain limitations. In addition, with respect to mergers or similar transactions, holders of CRD-A must receive the same type and amount of consideration as holders of CRD-B, unless different consideration is approved by the holders of 75 percent of CRD-A, voting as a class. More information is available at www.crawco.com.
