Why supporting menopause in the workplace is important
Deborah Garlick, Director at Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, explains why introducing menopause support at work makes sense for businesses.
Three years ago, you’d have been hard pushed to find an organisation with a menopause policy. Since then, there’s been something of a seismic shift, with the topic of menopause gaining traction in headlines and company agendas alike. More and more employers are raising awareness of menopause as part of their company culture and understanding the need to put the right menopause support in place.
But this is about time. Because for too long many people have suffered in silence.
What is menopause?
Menopause is a transition which happens over many years. In short, it means the end of periods, but it’s not something that just happens overnight. The balance of hormones changes, usually over a number of years, in a time known as perimenopause. This in turn can lead to three in four individuals experiencing symptoms.
These can be physical, such as hot flushes, sleep problem, aches and pains, fatigue, or irregular periods, or psychological, such as memory problems, changes in mood and loss of confidence, anxiety and worry. Put these in a workplace context, and some people can find their job is impacted. Brain fog can mean they can’t focus as they used to. Sleeplessness can lead to lack of concentration. But the culture of silence which has traditionally shrouded menopause means speaking out is too hard to do.
That’s why I’m delighted to see these barriers being broken down. But there is clearly more to be done. It’s a topic that is urgent and important, for employers and employees alike.
Why is it so important?
Menopausal employees are actually the fastest-growing workplace demographic. The average age to reach menopause is 51 – although it can be earlier or later than this due to surgery or illness – and we are all working much later in life.
A person going through the menopause could easily work for another 15, 20 or even 30 years once it’s over. Sadly, for some, their symptoms become so difficult to manage at work they consider leaving. In fact, one in four thinks about it. This means employers are losing valuable talent, as well as incurring unnecessary recruitment costs.
A 2017 report written for the Government Equalities Office highlighted the essential need for employers to put the right support in place. As well as losing employees, some companies have been taken to tribunal – menopause is covered under the Equality Act 2010 under sex, gender and disability discrimination – clearly something all organisations should avoid.
What can companies do?
Getting the conversation started at work is a good place to start. When menopause is brought out into the open, people experiencing it feel less isolated. Training workshops, policies, guidance, menopause support networks… anything you can do to bring it into your company’s culture is a good thing.
Reasonable adjustments such as desk fans, extra uniforms or flexible working need to be available. Remember, these are likely to be temporary, but small changes really can make a big difference.
I’m delighted to see more forward-thinking organisations bringing menopause awareness to the fore. Small and large, private and public sector – the whole mindset surrounding menopause is shifting for the better. There are clear and compelling business cases to introduce support, but for the majority they do it simply because it’s the right thing to do.
It’s time every single organisation introduced menopause support in the workplace. Menopausal employees are finding their voice, and what they are asking for is to continue making a valuable contribution in the workplace.
Where to find more help
To discover more ways to support your workforce, take a look at 4 steps to support your employees experiencing the menopause.
We've also created some useful guides for employees and for employers to help their employees feel comfortable and confident during the menopause transition.
Deborah Garlick is the Director of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace. She is passionate about helping thousands and thousands of people live better lives by raising awareness and understanding of the menopause, changing perceptions and getting everyone talking about it. The author of Menopause: the change for the better and founder of Henpicked.net.
