London, 18^th October 2024 – Zodia Markets, the institution-first digital asset brokerage, has introduced a progressive Menopause Policy that aims to support employees experiencing menopause, perimenopause, or premature menopause. As one of the few digital asset firms addressing this topic, Zodia Markets is encouraging other organisations to “steal their policy” to help foster more inclusive and understanding work environments for all.

The Menopause Policy at Zodia Markets recognises that hormonal changes can affect women, as well as non-binary and trans individuals; with symptoms ranging from hot flushes and fatigue to memory loss, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts. These hormonal changes can significantly impact an individual’s performance and comfort at work.

The policy offers various forms of support to ensure that employees feel empowered to seek adjustments without fear, embarrassment or judgement. Practical measures include unlimited calls and call time with a menopause trained nurse through their private healthcare policy, flexible working arrangements, paid sick leave, access to counselling services, wellness rooms and provisions for desk fans to help alleviate symptoms. Employees are encouraged to structure their day in a way that works best for them, with options to adjust their hours or working environment as needed.

Usman Ahmad, Co-Founder and CEO of Zodia Markets comments, “Menopause is a deeply personal experience, and for some, it can be severely debilitating. CIPD research found that 67% of individuals reported their menopause symptoms had negatively affected their work, and only 11% felt they could tell their manager these symptoms were related to the menopause, largely for fear of judgement. That’s not ok.

Whether we’re talking about menopause or anything else that makes up our wonderfully diverse workforce, people shouldn’t feel uncomfortable at work. If people feel comfortable and supported, they’ll bring their whole selves, do their best work, increase business productivity and their own career prospects.

In a male dominated industry like financial services, we should be proactively driving a more balanced workforce. So, we encourage others in digital assets or wider financial services to follow our lead and help us redefine the norm so together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all.”

A report by McKinsey from December 2023 confirms that companies with higher diversity, particularly in executive leadership, are significantly more likely to outperform their less diverse competition. In 2023, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity were 39% more likely to achieve above-average profitability.

Zodia Markets, with offices in London, Jersey, Dublin, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, has a 33% v 67% gender split, putting  them ahead of many industry peers, but recognises that more still needs to be done to get to parity.

For more information or to access the Zodia Markets’ Menopause Policy, visit the website or contact Emma Critchley-Lloyd, Chief Marketing Officer.

< END >

Notes to editor:

CIPD, Menopause Report, October 2023

For press enquires please contact:
Emma Critchley-Lloyd

Chief Marketing Officer, Zodia Markets

Emma.lloyd@zodia-markets.com

About Zodia Markets

Zodia Markets is an institution-first digital asset brokerage whose mission is to make the unfamiliar, familiar. We are the trusted institutional trading partner for corporations and institutions who want to trade in digital assets, but who don’t want to compromise on the standards and principles associated with traditional finance. Zodia Markets is backed by SC Ventures, the innovation, and ventures unit of Standard Chartered, and OSL Group, Asia’s leading digital asset company and parent of SFC-licensed digital asset platform OSL Digital Securities.