Bank of Ireland has introduced a menopause support policy which will offer a range of new provisions including paid leave to staff who are going through the menopause.
The bank said that menopause leave will be available to women who have menopause-related sickness, with up to 10 days of paid leave available.
As part of the new policy, the bank said that all of its people managers and HR teams will receive training to help them better understand the impact that menopause can have on work.
They will also learn what supports might be helpful to any colleagues affected by menopausal symptoms.
With its new policy, Bank of Ireland said it is hoping to encourage better menopause awareness and understanding among staff, and ultimately facilitate a more open and friendly work environment for those experiencing menopause related symptoms.
Joanne Healy, Head of Employee Relations at Bank of Ireland, said that as an employer, the bank is committed to building a more supportive and inclusive culture within the bank.
"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. We hope that they will help us continue to build a work environment in which everyone is treated with fairness, dignity and respect," she added.
Bank of Ireland has also recently launched an enhanced paternity leave policy, a domestic abuse support policy as well as fertility leave and supports and a surrogacy support policy as part of policy improvements at the lender.
This week marks the country's first Menopause Awareness Week.
