HSBC launches menopause-friendly uniforms

HSBC UK has redesigned the uniforms employees where in its branches to make them more environmentally and menopause friendly and to give them a more casual look in keeping with current fashion.

The new range includes menopause-friendly clothes for women, a new jumpsuit, tunic and hijab options, chinos and jeans twinned with quilted jackets, varsity jackets or fleeces and long and short sleeved t-shirts, polo shirts and sweatshirts.

Jackie Uhi, HSBC UK’s Director of Distribution, said: “Our branch colleagues are the public face of the bank, so what they wear does not only need to reflect the brand, it needs to look good, be practical, comfortable and hard-wearing, while taking into account specific human needs like those who are pregnant or going through the menopause.

“More than ever before, corporate uniforms need to be sustainable and as environmentally-friendly as possible. I am proud that we have been able to tick all of those boxes.”

The clothes are made from recycled polyester, dissolving plastic, ocean-recovered plastic, recycled metal and sustainable cotton. Delivery is done in packages made from unused suit jacket material from the previous range, which transforms into usable tote bags. These are delivered to branches at the same time and by the same courier as the branch stationery and instructions on the delivery are sent using seed paper which is designed to be planted after use to become bee-friendly plants.

When it comes to the menopause, the bank held a menopause clothing trial to focus on clothing that would be comfortable, with a different blend of material and a choice of more relaxed fits. Options include a fit-and-flare shape jersey dress, V-neck tunic, tailored jumpsuit, jersey tees, and a chino knee length skirt.  They come in various sizes and lengths and are made of breathable and sustainably sourced fabrics, including EcoVero viscose and light weight stretch jersey.

The bank is also planning an ‘adaptive wear’ trial to develop the range further for colleagues in wheelchairs or who have other mobility issues that need to be considered.

Jackie Uhi added: ”This project has been two years in the making to design, source, trial, manufacture and distribute the new uniform. The feedback we have had so far has been extremely positive from those wearing it, and customers who have provided a view, and the sustainable element of how we have done it is something we are incredibly proud of.”

HSBC became one of the first employers in the UK to be awarded Menopause Friendly Accreditation in July 2021.  The accreditation recognises inclusive employers who build awareness and understanding around menopause and take the wellbeing of their colleagues seriously. It has trained more than 50 menopause Advocates and 75 Champions to help drive awareness and education. In addition it holds weekly lunch-and-learn sessions on the menopause which are open to all employees, launched a menopause page on employee wellbeing hubs, simplified its guidance and procedures and has a dedicated Menopause HealthLine through a third-party healthcare provider.

HSBC Bank Plc has, for some years, had one of the highest gender pay gaps in the UK’s financial services sector, which, it says is due to the high number of men in senior positions. HSBC UK, which includes its high street banks, has a lower gap, but its mean gender pay gap is still 30.5%.

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