Bank of Ireland has introduced paid menopause leave for employees and a number of related policies to support staff going through menopause.

Employees experiencing menopause-related sickness -- with psychological or physical symptoms -- will be eligible for up to 10 days of paid leave per year.

Any sick leave required as a result of, or related to, menopause such as attending medical appointments will be recorded as menopause related leave and will not impact workers’ attendance records.

Bank of Ireland people managers and HR teams will receive training to help them better understand the impact that menopause can have on work, and what supports might be helpful to any colleagues affected by menopausal symptoms.

The announcement follows research from the Department of Health that three-quarters of women over 35 have either entered peri menopause (19%), are in menopause (18%) or have completed menopause (37%).

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Bank of Ireland said it hopes to encourage better menopause awareness and understanding among staff, and ultimately facilitate a more open and friendly work environment for those experiencing menopause.

“As an employer we are committed to building a more supportive and inclusive culture within the bank," said Joanne Healy, head of employee relations, Bank of Ireland. 

"We want to help our colleagues at all stages of their lives including the menopause. This new policy and training have been introduced as important supports for our colleagues who are going through the menopause. This will help us continue to build a work environment in which everyone is treated with fairness, dignity and respect."

Bank of Ireland has also recently introduced policies for enhanced parental leave, domestic abuse support, and fertility leave and supports.

The lender experienced a record month for account openings and was fined €100m for its part in the tracker mortgage scandal in September, and it unveiled its Mi 365 spend tracker digital banking tool for personal account holders earlier this month.

Photo: (l-r) David Coleman, head of industrial relations at Bank of Ireland; Dr Ciara Kelly, and Joanne Healy.