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Menopause at Work


Quick Facts:

  • Women make up 50% of the UK workforce

  • Menopause largely affects women aged 45-55; peri-menopause can start years earlier

  • Worryingly, over 1 million women feel pressure to quit their jobs due to their symptoms

  • Around 900,000 women have already quit their jobs because of the menopause

At a time when employers could be benefitting from their female employees’ years of experience and expertise, some may find they are losing part of their workforce due to their menopausal symptoms, eg mood changes, anxiety, low self-esteem, hot flushes, forgetfulness, difficulty sleeping, 'brain fog' or even joint pains. Things you can do as an Employer:

1. Keep communication open with regular 5 minute 1-2-1s

2. Encourage supportive conversations around menopause and other ‘personal’ topics

3. Train Managers, arrange a Menopause Awareness presentation/newsletter/email - if managers/co-workers are aware they will likely be much more supportive

4. Offer flexible working patterns

5. Review the working environment (eg. temperature, uniforms, lunch/break times, etc)

6. Encourage employees to liaise with their GP and give time off for appointments

7. Diversity and Inclusion - some trans and non-binary employees may also go through the menopause due to changes in hormones. Demonstrate inclusion by offering support to these individuals

8. Sign up to the Menopause Workplace Pledge and demonstrate your support to your customers, suppliers, and employees (as the Civil Service, Royal Mail, NatWest Group, and hundreds of other UK organisations already have)


Employee Take-Aways:

1. Check if your employer has a Menopause Policy

2. Reach out to a trusted Manager/HR individual and start a conversation

3. Ask for workplace support and practical solutions tailored to your needs

4. Seek advice and support from your GP


Useful Links:

Menopause Matters - www.menopausematters.co.uk

Wellbeing of Women - www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk

Sign up to the Menopause Workplace Pledge - https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/campaigns/menopausepledge/sign



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