Irish Examiner view: Menopause leave is a welcome step forward

Bank of Ireland's new policy — announced during Menopause Awareness Week — ought to inspire other employers too

We may associate barriers to women's full participation in the workplace with the past, but paid menopause leave is one of many overdue innovations. Stock picture

The news that Bank of Ireland is to introduce paid menopause leave should be marked as a welcome step towards real inclusivity in the workplace — a step with tangible benefits for people as opposed to a box-ticking exercise.

Bank of Ireland employees who suffer from menopause-related symptoms will be entitled to 10 days of paid leave, while managers and HR personnel will also receive training on how best to support staff going through menopause in the workplace.