Reflections on World Menopause Day by Laura Devennie, People & Culture Director, tigers Group

At tigers Group, we exist to inspire and support people to develop their infinite potential. We do this in a variety of different ways, one of which is prioritising the health and wellbeing of our team.

Recently, some of our team had the privilege of attending an insightful event led by Dr. Louise Newson in Edinburgh, focusing on the critical topic of hormonal health in life. The event emphasised how hormones shape our overall health—physically, mentally, and emotionally—across various stages of life, whether during pregnancy, menopause, or other transitions.

This prompted us to reflect on the time we created our menopause policy.

The policy was driven by our recognition that a large proportion of our colleagues are women, all facing the challenges of menopause at different stages. We started by engaging with the entire team, opening conversations about menopause, and encouraging people to share their experiences. This collaborative approach, grounded in storytelling, allowed us to create a policy that reflected the needs of everyone, not just those directly experiencing menopause.

What made this process so powerful was the sense of love (a core value at tigers) and unity that came from it. Colleagues from across the company took on individual responsibilities, researching, listening, and helping shape the direction of our policy. It wasn’t just about creating guidelines; it was about fostering a culture of openness and support. This process reflected our values of curiosity and integrity, and it took real courage (another core value) from many team members to share their personal stories.

Wellbeing is at the heart of what we do at tigers. From policies like these to bespoke training initiatives like our Daring Ventures Programme, we’re continually investing in ways to support our team. Our dedicated Health & Wellbeing Co-Ordinator, along with our Leadership Team, ensure that we’re always putting people first, and we believe that supporting the adults in the lives of children and young people is where it all begins.

The recent discussions with my colleagues also got me reflecting on my own experience of becoming a first-time mum and how hormonal changes both pre- and post-pregnancy have affected me.

I’ve just recently returned to work after maternity leave, and having these discussions helps me understand how to manage not just the physical recovery, but also the mental and emotional challenges that come with hormonal shifts. I’m fortunate to work in a business that embodies love and care, a secure base where I can talk openly about my feelings, share the challenges I may be facing, and be met with advice, encouragement, no judgment, and even lots of laughter. Knowing that my wellbeing is valued makes such a difference.

This experience has made me even more aware of the importance of supporting women beyond pregnancy. Hormonal shifts don’t just end once the baby is born, they can continue to impact many aspects of life. Having a supportive network in place is so crucial during these times of transition.

Reflecting on both our journey to create the menopause policy and my own postpartum experience, one key theme stands out: the importance of a secure base. Navigating significant life changes, whether menopause, postpartum recovery, or other transitions, requires courage, and having a workplace that fosters curiosity and values openness, and support, helps people build resilience and develop their potential.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone, past and present, within the tigers Group for their contributions to the creation of our menopause policy. I look forward to continuing to work with you all as we build on the strong foundation we’ve created. As we move forward, we’ll keep exploring new ways to support the health and wellbeing of all genders as they navigate life’s hormonal changes. A few examples include:

  • Ongoing Training and Awareness: We’ll enhance our training by incorporating new insights from the recent event and undertake further learning and development. Our aim is to continually raise awareness about hormonal changes and their impact, ensuring both managers and employees are well-informed and prepared.
  • Flexible Support Structures: We’ll maintain our commitment to offering practical workplace adjustments, such as flexible working hours and supportive environments, tailored to individual needs.
  • Encouraging Open Conversations: We’ll keep promoting open discussions around health, ensuring that everyone feels supported in navigating the various stages of life.

At tigers Group, health and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. Guided by our values of curiosity, love, integrity, and courage, we’ll continue to support our community to feel emotionally safe, connected and valued.