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London: The Menopause in the Workplace 2026 Menopause & Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards have announced their finalists following a record number of entries and a rigorous judging process.

Now in their fifth year, the awards recognise employers and individuals working to create workplaces where menopause, menstruation and menstrual health are better understood and supported.

Record entries raise the bar

The finalists were selected by an independent panel of industry experts, who assessed entries for evidence of meaningful impact and lasting workplace change.

Deborah Garlick, CEO and founder of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, said the exceptionally high standard of entries reflected how workplace support has progressed from awareness campaigns towards measurable action.

Awards to be held across three cities

The awards will form part of a day of knowledge-sharing, networking and celebration on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

The event will be hosted at three locations by menopause-friendly accredited organisations:

• HSBC UK, including first direct and M&S Bank, in London
• Boots UK and No7 Beauty Company in Nottingham
• Rathbones in Liverpool

Employers recognised across key categories

The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards include categories such as Most Open Culture, Most Menopause Friendly Environment, Best Engagement Campaign, Best Trained Workforce and Best Support Group.

Finalists for Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year include AtkinsRéalis, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, E.ON UK, HF Limited, Lloyds Banking Group, Manchester City Council, Ninja Theory, Northumbria Police, ScottishPower and Tilbury Douglas.

The Carolyn Lazarus Award for outstanding individual contribution has nine finalists, including Brigitte Khavani of South Yorkshire Integrated Care System, Emma Lockwood of Rathbones, Jackie Williams of HSBC UK and Sarah Malik of QVCUK.

Menstruation support also takes centre stage

The awards also recognise organisations supporting menstrual health through the Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards.

Finalists for Most Open Culture include Fletchers Solicitors, Lloyds Banking Group, Mars Wrigley UK and Ninja Theory.

The Most Supportive Workplace category includes Boots UK and No7 Beauty Company, Ninja Theory and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Awards support charities and research

Beyond recognising workplace leadership, the annual awards raise funds for charities working on menopause and menstruation and support research.

This year’s event is expected to take the cumulative amount raised to £250,000, supported by sponsors including HSBC UK, Boots UK and No7 Beauty Company, Rathbones, AtkinsRéalis, BAE Systems, Mars UK, Ninja Theory, Onvero, ScottishPower and Menopace by Vitabiotics.

The finalists will now look ahead to the September ceremony, where organisations and individuals leading workplace change will be recognised for their efforts to create more supportive and inclusive working environments.