Boots to pay for employees’ HRT prescriptions in new menopause package
The beauty retailer is also launching a support package for women experiencing menopause, including free 24/7 counselling sessions, a Boots online doctor and a ‘My Menopause Centre’ offering doctor-led consultations and treatment options
Boots has announced that it will cover the cost of its team members’ prescriptions for those able and wanting to take Hormone Replacement Treatment (HRT), effective from April 2022.
Up to 80% of Boots’ team across the UK are made up of women, as part of its plan to create an “inclusive and open workplace culture”, and around 8,600 team members are reportedly currently in scope to access menopause treatment.
Additionally, Boots has introduced a series of initiatives and support packages for team members experiencing the menopause.
These include a menopause at work guidance which features e-learning modules to raise awareness and break down barriers associated with the transition, and a menopause network to encourage team members to learn more about the menopause and offer support.
It also includes free 24/7 counselling sessions, a Boots online doctor and a ‘My Menopause Centre’ which offers doctor-led consultations, advice, and personalised treatment options, including a free symptom checker.
Ben Horner, HR director at Boots, said: “I am delighted to announce that Boots is breaking down the barriers to accessing HRT medication and that we will offer this significant support option to team members who may be experiencing menopausal symptoms.
“Women make up the majority of our Boots workforce, and we are focused on offering the support that will work best for them as they navigate this important life transition and other health concerns.”
Carolyn Harris, MP for Swansea East and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Menopause in the House of Commons, added: “Changes such as this in the workplace will support all those experiencing the menopause in all roles and will make such a difference. It’s time all employers took menopause seriously and took action.”
Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, said: “We’re delighted to see the broad range of initiatives Boots is putting in place.
“This will help so many people, whatever their role, wherever they work in the organisation.”
