John D Wood pledges to help female workers
The long-established agency is one of the few in the property industry to have a woman in post as its MD.
John D Wood has introduced fertility well-being policies for its female workers who make up nearly 60% of its headcount.
The London and South of England-based firm says it has made provisions for menopause, pregnancy loss and fertility.
Removing the stigma around health issues, and ensuring employees and their family members feel supported through life experiences with little impact on careers, are the aims of the new policies, the estate agency says.
Timed to coincide with World Menopause Day on 18 October, the company has also signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge.
Most people who experience fertility problems are reluctant to speak about it in the workplace because they fear it may have a detrimental effect on their career, the company points out.
Remove taboos
Polly Ogden Duffy, MD at St John Wood, (main picture) says: “We are committed to supporting, training and educating all employees, in an effort to remove taboos and improve wellbeing whilst at work.
“Our employees are deserving of our commitment of support at times when they need it most,” adds Ogden Duffy, who is one of the few MDs of an estate agency.
Earlier this year, John D Wood & Co joined a select club of major agents who can claim an uninterrupted trading history going back 150 years, along with rival Winkworth. After being bought by Countrywide, it is now part of Connells.
