Menopause

Supporting women through menopause will not only benefit your workforce, but also the organisation itself.

Support Is Needed

For some women, menopause has little impact. However, for others, it can have many implications, including at work.

A poor night’s sleep can affect concentration. Hot flushes can be physically distressing and lead to anxiety. Whilst symptoms are varied, how an individual experiences menopause can be hugely affected by the culture and treatment within the organisation in which they work.

Raising the level of menopause awareness and knowledge through training can show your team that you care.

Support is often also needed by those who may be indirectly affected: HR employees, Line Managers, and colleagues.

For some women, menopause has little impact. However, for others, it can have many implications, including at work.

Raising the level of menopause awareness and knowledge through training can show your team that you care.

Support is often also needed by those who may be indirectly affected: HR employees, Line Managers, and colleagues.

Benefits To The Organisation

For some women, menopause has little impact. But for others it can have many implications, including at work.

Support is often also needed by those who may be indirectly affected. HR employees. Line Managers. Colleagues.

Discover more

18%
of women

Research in 2021* showed that 18% of women experiencing, or transitioning to, menopause were looking to leave their job because of their symptoms.

The most common reason cited in a 2020 piece of research** was the pressures put on them (42%), followed by a lack of flexibility needed to manage their symptoms (39%) and lack of understanding from management (39%).

*Study of 2000 women, commissioned by Koru Kids. **Study of 1000 women by BUPA

Removing Workplace taboos

Menopause, like mental health before it, has been somewhat of a taboo subject in the workplace. Absence figures are not widely available as many organisations do not specifically record it as a reason for absence.

Plus many women suffer in silence and are unwilling to disclose for fear of judgement (70% cited this in the poll referenced above). We wish to help you break the stigma and support you on your journey to a more age and gender inclusive workplace.

Our menopause training courses can help you gain better knowledge and skills to support the wellbeing of menopausal women. But menopause awareness is also for all staff to be able to support their partner, friend, wife, mother, daughter, etc.

Not only is menopause awareness recommended, but so too is the development, or review, of a thoughtful Menopause policy.

Becoming A Workplace Expectation

Menopause has been increasingly attracting media attention.

Whether it’s high profile celebrities, such as Davina McCall and Penny Lancaster, talking openly about their experiences, or through litigation claims in the National press, there is a growing expectation among women that menopause understanding and support is provided.

Of course, all organisations have a legal duty to ensure that working conditions don’t exacerbate symptoms and that employees are protected from discrimination. But a few simple changes to the working environment, or the ability to be more open, can go a long way to enabling people to continue to perform well. Therefore, supporting menopause in the workplace can be a good step in bringing positive changes.

Menopause support

Mariella Frostrup, MP Carolyn Harris, Penny Lancaster and Davina McCall joined protesters outside the Houses of Parliament.

Credit: PA NM have to check copyright

Mariella Frostrup, MP Carolyn Harris, Penny Lancaster and Davina McCall joined protesters outside the Houses of Parliament.

Credit: PA NM have to check copyright

The role of HR

Important and supportive actions

Identify reasonable adjustments

Help break the stigma and silence around menopause

Enable Team Leaders and Managers to support their teams

Review current policies

Benefits To The Organisation

Supporting women through menopause will not only benefit your workforce but also the organisation itself. By educating and providing menopause awareness training to your staff and managers and offering the right level of support, your organisation can benefit through: