Cera becomes first home care provider to achieve menopause-friendly accreditation 

Cera has become the first home care provider in the UK to achieve the Menopause Friendly Accreditation, marking a shift in how the care sector approaches workplace health and wellbeing. 

The accreditation, awarded by Menopause in the Workplace by Henpicked, recognises employers that demonstrate a clear commitment to supporting employees through menopause and perimenopause. While more than 600 UK organisations have pledged to be menopause-friendly, just over 200 have achieved full accreditation to date. 

Cera’s recognition is significant for a sector facing mounting workforce pressures. Adult social care currently has 111,000 vacancies, with women making up 81 per cent of the workforce. Menopause is increasingly being recognised as a contributing factor to retention challenges, particularly among experienced frontline staff. 

Annabel Taylor, Chief People Officer at Cera, said: “With growing workforce shortages affecting adult social care, retaining our most skilled and experienced frontline carers is a national priority. We are committed to building a sector where every individual can thrive through every stage of their life. Supporting our colleagues through menopause and perimenopause is at the heart of our ambition to promote inclusivity, wellbeing and empathy in the workplace. Achieving the Menopause Friendly Accreditation is a landmark milestone for us and the wider care sector.” 

Women account for 82 per cent of Cera’s 12,000-strong workforce, with more than a quarter in the age group most associated with menopause. As demand for care continues to rise, the sector is expected to require nearly half a million additional workers by 2040, increasing the importance of retention strategies linked to workplace wellbeing. 

Cera achieved accreditation following an independent assessment across five areas: culture, policies and practices, training, engagement and working environment. Initiatives include mandatory menopause awareness training, flexible working options, uniform adaptations and the introduction of menopause champions and workshops to support ongoing education. 

Practical workplace adjustments have also been introduced, such as providing fans and adapting work environments to improve comfort for employees experiencing symptoms. 

Deborah Garlick, CEO of Menopause in the Workplace by Henpicked, said: “We’re delighted to see the progress Cera has made in building a workplace where menopause can be talked about openly and where colleagues feel genuinely supported. Their application for accreditation showed a clear, organisation-wide commitment – from senior leadership through to their menopause champion network – helping to raise awareness, build confidence and ensure support is available across the business. It’s encouraging to see menopause being embedded within wider wellbeing and inclusion initiatives, with colleagues increasingly engaging in conversations and accessing the support they need. This is exactly the kind of thoughtful, practical approach that helps create a truly menopause-friendly workplace.” 

Cera said its menopause strategy is designed not only to improve employee experience but also to address the cost of recruitment and retention across the care sector. By supporting staff through key life stages, the organisation aims to retain experienced carers and maintain continuity of care for service users. 

The company delivers more than 2.5 million home healthcare visits each month through its 12,000 carers and nurses, using technology to support care delivery. It reports that its data-led approach has reduced hospitalisations by more than half, saving the NHS and government more than £1 billion. 

The move reflects a broader shift in workplace wellbeing, with employers increasingly recognising menopause support as both a workforce priority and a business-critical issue.