Banbury-based wirefree bra maker Royce is encouraging fellow small businesses to “make menopause matter” by introducing supportive workplace policies for menopausal employees — even though smaller employers fall outside new government requirements.
Under the government’s newly published Employment Rights Bill, companies with more than 250 employees will be legally required to publish a menopause action plan. Voluntary compliance will be encouraged from April 2026 before the measure becomes mandatory in 2027.
However, with smaller organisations exempt, Royce is urging SMEs to take proactive steps now to ensure women in their workplaces receive the same level of support.
During Menopause Awareness Month, the female-led business is leading by example, sharing resources and encouraging open conversations around menopause in the workplace.
Francesca Fleming, Commercial Director at Royce, said:
“With new legal requirements on the horizon it’s great that this issue is finally being taken seriously – but with no mandatory requirement for organisations under 250 employees, far too many menopausal women are still struggling at work.
“At Royce, we’ve implemented a menopause policy and want to assure other SMEs that it can be a straight-forward process that can have a positive impact on staff morale, performance and retention. We’ve created a suite of resources for business owners to create their own menopause policy, and foster a culture of awareness, support and understanding of this issue at work.”
She added:
“Women are at the core of our business – from our Banbury HQ to our customers – so we know from experience how difficult it can be for some women to navigate this period of their life.
“Perimenopause and menopause may be a breeze for some, but most women will struggle to some degree which affects their physical and mental health.
“It’s important for those women to feel supported at work through simple adjustments and an inclusive working environment. Let’s make menopause matter, even in the smallest of organisations.”
To mark the campaign, Royce invited local business owners to take part in its ‘Take the Hot Seat’ challenge, testing employers’ knowledge of menopause and its workplace impact. Clips will be shared on Royce’s social media channels, alongside a full video on the company website.
Royce has also partnered with Over The Bloody Moon — the world’s largest collective of menopause health experts — to provide free resources for employers looking to implement menopause-friendly policies. These resources, along with the ‘Take the Hot Seat’ video, are available on their website.
This latest initiative forms part of Royce’s wider campaign, The Unapologetic Menopause, which encourages women to share their stories, find expert advice, and spark open discussion about menopause at work and beyond.
