Employee Stories

Emma Screen

Breaking the menopause taboo through support and leadership

With nearly 13 years of experience at the Bank, Emma is currently the Head of Second Line Assurance covering Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Wealth and Retail Banking (WRB). As a leader, she deeply understands the value of creating safe spaces in the workplace – where colleagues can share lived experiences and foster positive change.

Emma’s journey through a significant yet often private issue, menopause, demonstrates the importance of open conversations about topics that affect many but are rarely discussed. Her experiences have shaped her into a compassionate listener and a relatable leader. Today, Emma shares her personal story of navigating menopause while building her career at the Bank.

Her journey

Emma’s journey with perimenopause began unexpectedly about 10 years ago at the age of 40. She describes her initial symptoms as what many might dismiss as “senior moments” or brief bouts of feeling down. But when she took on a bigger role, as a People Leader in a new country, while also navigating the challenges of supporting a child who had simultaneously undergone a below-the-knee amputation, her symptoms escalated rapidly and unexpectedly.

Emma recalls how the sudden onset of debilitating symptoms left her grappling with imposter syndrome and self-doubt about her ability to function as a leader. “I couldn’t trust myself to drive and I couldn’t explain to a doctor why I felt like I did when every blood test came back unalarming.”

Simple tasks became overwhelming – she would stumble through calls, re-read emails multiple times to ensure they made sense, and struggle to find words mid-sentence. She later found relief after visiting a specialist who recognised the symptoms and prescribed her medication. Within days, Emma started to feel more in control and while some challenges remained, she was better equipped to cope with the demands of her role.

Familiar minds in support groups

When Emma discovered that the Bank had a working group dedicated to menopause, she knew she wanted to be a part of it. “If I could help just one person – whether a woman going through it or a man trying to understand and support someone – that would be my way of paying it forward.”

Emma recognises the Bank’s human approach to policies, and that the commitment to wellbeing and support isn’t just a one-off initiative but a continuous effort that sets Standard Chartered apart from other banks. In response to a 2021 survey revealing that menopause significantly impacts women’s career progression and retention in the financial services industry, the Bank recognised menopause as a key aspect of its DEI and Wellbeing strategy and policies, and the working group was launched, open to both men and women to foster allyship and raise awareness.

Through resources such as online reading materials, practical changes such as desk fans and dedicated quiet spaces to regroup and gather thoughts, provision of period products in our washrooms and the wellbeing ‘UnMind’ app, the Bank fosters an environment where individuals feel seen and heard. For Emma, these initiatives are not only essential but truly reflect the Bank’s ongoing dedication to creating a healthier, more inclusive workplace.

In October 2023, we expanded our medical coverage to include treatment for menopause-related symptoms, available to all colleagues and their partners, further complemented with flexible working options and support through our Employee Assistance Programme.

They created a space of real psychological safety where I could openly discuss what was happening in my life beyond my day job.

Emma Screen

Head of 2nd Line Assurance covering Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and WRB

Leading with compassion

Emma credits her leaders for creating a safe, open environment where she has felt empowered to discuss her experiences. She considers herself fortunate to have had two exceptionally supportive leaders – one male, one female – who provided strength and empathy during a difficult prolonged period. “They created a space of real psychological safety where I could openly discuss what was happening in my life beyond my day job.”

The Bank’s approach to support has extended beyond just understanding symptoms; it has embraced and created a culture of open conversations. For Emma the most valuable gift a leader can offer is simply to listen. “It’s not always about finding the answer, but sometimes just giving you a steer so that you can find your own solution.”

Emma’s advice to others going through a similar experience is to find a confidante who they can share their journey without fear of judgement. “We tend to judge ourselves harshly enough,” she notes, “a problem shared becomes less burdensome.”

As Emma looks back on her journey, she is grateful for the support she received and hopeful for continued progress. “The Bank is doing a great job, but there’s always more to be done. Watch this space.”

Read more about our Menopause Policy here.