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Women's Health in the Workplace – From Taboo Topic to Business Imperative Leadership



Menopause data rarely shows up neatly labelled — it hides in absence records, flexible working requests and exit interviews, and it takes intentional effort to find.

In this conversation, Bethany Heesom, Engagement Expert at BET365 and Ellie McCluskey, Head of People, Prism Sport and Entertainment at VML unpack why women's health has moved from taboo topic to business imperative, covering the real cost of inaction (1 in 10 women leave roles over menopause symptoms, an estimated £14bn annual hit to UK productivity), what best-in-class support actually looks like - flexibility, education, psychological safety and stress management - and how they're using the new mandatory menopause action plans as a springboard to build data-driven, board-level buy-in rather than just ticking a compliance box.

 

 

 

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Bethany Heesom

Bethany Heesom

Engagement Expert

"Bethany Heesom is an Employee Engagement professional with a solid background in L&D and HR, focusing on building positive, people-centred workplaces cultures. In her role as Senior Engagement Manager at bet365, she works on initiatives that aim to enhance employee experience, wellbeing, and engagement, striving to ensure that every team member feels valued and supported.

Having previously worked as a Registered NHS Clinician, Bethany brings her clinical expertise to her interest in workplace wellbeing. She lead the development and implementation of bet365's Menopause policy, eLearning modules, and Menopause toolkits, and has recently shifted her focus to organising events that connect employees through shared experiences. 

Bethany takes a balanced approach, combining strategic insight with practical efforts to create inclusive and collaborative environments where employees can thrive. She values strong communication and relationship-building, engaging with teams at various levels to support meaningful change and a sense of belonging. Passionate about human-centred leadership, she aims to help organisations grow while ensuring that employees feel inspired and empowered. Outside of work, she enjoys advocating for wellbeing and professional development, sharing insights to assist others in creating supportive workplaces. "

Ellie McCluskey

Ellie McCluskey

VML Head Of People, VML UK.
Ellie is Head of People at VML UK, and a qualified coach and Menopause coach, with a deep belief in reinvention at work and in life. She brings a human, compassionate lens to HR, creating environments where people and businesses can truly thrive. In her coaching, Ellie supports women navigating midlife, menopause, and moments of change, helping them reconnect with themselves and step into their next chapter with clarity, confidence, and intention.

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