Understanding Menopause in the Workplace

In this article we explore the importance of understanding menopause in the workplace for everyone in the company. Menopause is experienced by every woman in their lifetime. It is an important yet challenging phase in a woman’s life.
Menopause should not be a taboo, and everyone should feel comfortable talking about it with their employers, especially when they need guidance and advice.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is often referred to as “change of life” and is a natural phase in women’s life that marks the end of Menstrual Cycles. It’s diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without having menstrual cycles.
For many women, menopause is not just a personal journey; it’s a part of their daily life, including the workplace.

Understanding Menopause

Menopause typically occurs between mid-40’s or early 50’s. This transition brings a wide range of physical, emotional and psychological changes, making a challenging experience for women.

What women feel –

1. Physical Symptoms: women feel symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, tiredness, joint pain, muscle aches, headaches, etc.
2. Emotional Challenges: Hormonal changes due to menopause can lead to mood changes, anxiety & depression.
3. Cognitive Changes: Some women feel memory lapses and difficulties with multi-tasking which can affect job performances.

Managing the effects of Menopause in the Workplace

Managing the effects of menopause in the workplace is important for both employers as well as employees.
For those experiencing menopause symptoms, it can be extremely stressful and challenging time.
Everyone going through menopause will experience the symptoms differently, and can affect a person mentally and physically.
Studies show that half of the women, don’t seek medical advice and majority of women don’t feel comfortable talking about it to their employers.
Some women feel embarrassed to talk about it as they feel confused about what they’re experiencing due to fluctuating hormones and symptoms.

Menopause Facts

• Women make up nearly half the UK workforce, with 8 out of 10 experiencing menopause while employed.
• Almost 50% of women, feel that menopause has a negative impact on their careers, including performance, motivation and job satisfaction.
• Almost a million women had to resign from their jobs due to menopausal symptoms.
• A substantial number of women had to take long term sickness leave due to effects of menopausal symptoms.
• Menopause-related symptoms lead to increased absenteeism, costing businesses significantly in terms of lost productivity.
• Only about 20% women feel comfortable disclosing about menopause-related symptoms to their employers.

Menopausal Support in the Workplace

Menopause is an inevitable phase in women’s life and cannot be ignored. It is crucial for workplaces and employees to recognise and address the challenges faced by women during menopause. This includes providing a supportive environment, awareness and implementing policies that promote understanding and openness.

Implementing a few changes in the workplace can make a world of a difference. This includes talking about it, spreading awareness, providing support; these measures can help people not feel out of the place but also, help them continue doing well in their jobs.

Women should be able to do their jobs comfortably and not feel stigmatised.
There should be no need for women to pause their careers because of a natural life event.

Although our discussions often revolve around women and menopause, we also acknowledge and value that this condition can impact transgender and non-binary individuals who do not identify as women.
They require equal support and flexibility in the workplace as others with similar symptoms.

If your business would benefit from advice on menopause, or any aspect of HR and Employment Law, please contact us on 01254 947829, or by email at enquiries@norihr.co.uk. You can also visit our website at www.norihr.co.uk for information on other issues.