- A Royal Warrant Holding skincare boss is challenging how workplaces respond to female employee’s hormonal health.
- With the NHS estimating a third of the UK population suffer from Peri or menopausal symptoms and no plans for the Government to formally introduce ‘Menstrual Leave’ despite signatures on a recent petition reaching over 76,000, Heaven Skincare Founder, Deborah Mitchell hopes other brands will follow suit and take hormone health more seriously.
- Timed with the return to work in winter, the new initiative recognises the impact of a range of a wide range of symptoms such as adenomyosis, endometriosis, periods, perimenopause and menopause on women’s wellbeing.
With the new working year well underway and winter conditions not only creating plummeting temperatures but moods too, as well as heavily affecting millions of women’s hormonal health, Shropshire based, female ran, Heaven Skincare is starting their year as they mean to go on, putting staffs essential needs first and at the forefront.
The Royal Warrant awarded brand and its founder, A-list facialist, Deborah Mitchell, is introducing a major initiative to showcase its commitment to supporting its employees who are experiencing and suffering from hormonal changes and imbalances.
The introduction what the brand dubs as ‘Hormone Holidays’ — a trailblazing unlimited leave initiative designed to support staff when hormonal changes such as periods, adenomyosis, endometriosis, periods, perimenopause and menopause significantly affect their wellbeing.
The pioneering workplace change will allow staff to take as much time off as they deem fit without judgement, question or medical evidence, when hormonal symptoms significantly affect their wellbeing. The policy covers a wide range of experiences, including periods, PMDD, perimenopause and menopause — recognising that hormonal health can fluctuate and unfortunately doesn’t reset in January, like most things.
The initiative comes as employees return to work in what is often the most physically and emotionally demanding time of year. While conversations around workplace wellbeing have increased in recent years, hormonal health remains largely absent from formal policy and Heaven Skincare believes it’s important to lead by example and support.
Founder Deborah Mitchell said “As female who has just turned 60, I’ve experienced many hormonal challenges and shifts in my life. I’ve also lived my life in the workplace and have seen and experienced first-hand isolating and dismissive these conversations can be for women, seeing talented colleagues struggle in silence, often not being taken seriously.
Despite this kind of leave not being legally mandatory, I’m using my common sense and empathy as a human. I don’t understand why anybody wouldn’t want to support, not just staff, but real people in such a way. When it comes to government policy, there’s a long way to go and more they need to do.
I’m deeply committed to creating a culture where women feel supported, understood, and empowered, because as a brand, that’s what we stand for. It’s not about just accommodating but ensuring colleagues are met with empathy, flexibility, and real support — because no one should have to choose between their health and their career”
Unlike traditional sick leave, Hormone Holidays is designed to remove stigma and encourage trust. Staff are not required to disclose specific symptoms, and the policy is framed as part of the brand’s broader commitment to wellbeing, flexibility and female empowerment.
“Trust is the foundation of how we work. When someone on my team is dealing with hormonal challenges or struggling with hormonal health, I want them to feel safe and confident that they can take time to recover without guilt. That trust goes both ways, and it’s essential to how we support women at work, building a sustainable, respectful workplace” Deborah Continued.
The brand hopes the initiative will spark wider discussion across industries, particularly as more women remain in the workforce through perimenopause and menopause — stages of life that are still poorly supported by many employers.
For years, Heaven Skincare have already had in place a wide range of benefits within their policy, recognising that it was its responsibility to support its colleagues. Including:
- Free and extensive sanitary products available to all team members
- Comforting snacks selected by the team for times when extra support is needed.
- Well-stocked nutritious lunch options always available, removing the pressure to prepare meals in advance on low-energy days.
- A trusting, supportive team culture that prioritises wellbeing.
- Additional items to support, such as hot water bottles, comfort blankets.
- Flexible working options, including the ability to work from home during certain times of the month if it’s more comfortable.
Hormone Holidays goes one step further and cements the brands commitment. By launching this additional initiative at the start of the working year, the brand is positioning hormonal health as a core part of workplace wellbeing — not an optional extra.
Director, Ella Cox Said “Understanding the different stages of the menstrual cycle—particularly for those who have not yet reached menopause—is something I believe should be spoken about more openly. Traditionally, it has been a taboo subject, but when it isn’t acknowledged within office environments, it can make these experiences harder to navigate. Creating a supportive environment for our employees is incredibly important to me; when people feel cared for and valued, they are able to do their best work.”
Founder Deborah said “Hormonal symptoms don’t reset in January, and they don’t disappear because someone is at work. This policy recognises that reality. We are starting the year with empathy and setting”
Image of Heaven Skincare Founder, Deborah Mitchell and Directors Daughter, Ella Cox – attributed to Heaven Skincare
