Menopause in the workplace: Bringing it to the fore
Mon, June 06, 2022
Menopause has long been a taboo subject, particularly within the workplace. One in 10 women who have worked during menopause has left a job due to their symptoms, according to what is believed to be the largest survey of menopausal women conducted in the UK. The subject is fast gaining traction, but with a lack of any concrete guidance and legislation, how should workplaces be supporting women and educating their workforce?
Recent research shows that almost a million women in the UK have left jobs because of menopausal symptoms. With menopause mainly affecting those in their 40s and 50s, this leads to women eligible for senior management roles leaving work at the peak of their career, with knock-on effects on workplace productivity, the gender pay gap, and the gender pension gap.
The effects of menopause at work
Without workplace support for women, symptoms such as anxiety, brain fog, fatigue, poor memory, hot flushes, and irregular and heavy bleeding can lead to:
- Loss of confidence
- Decreased productivity
- Taking time off work
- Less satisfaction with their job
- Making the difficult decision to leave the workforce
The need for more workplace support
In our recent survey, only 19% of the HR Professionals surveyed felt that their workplace encourages an open and honest approach to supporting women through menopause. This demonstrates how far we have to go.
Whilst there is currently no legislation that requires employers to have a menopause workplace policy or protect workers experiencing menopausal symptoms. Unions such as the TUC say there is also insufficient legal guidance for workers or employers regarding menopause.
Much of what needs to be done is still up for debate and discussion, but here are a few useful tools and guides on menopause, as well as some organisations leading the way, and campaigning for change.
Useful tools and guides on the menopause
- A guide to managing menopause at work: guidance for line managers - CIPD
- The Trades Union Congress - an interactive guide on menopause
- The NHS: in-depth information about the menopause
- Bupa-women’s health hub
Organisations supporting the menopause
- Gen-M: The menopause partner for brands
- Well-being of women: Menopause workplace pledge
- The British Menopause Society (BMS)
Menopause at work: Upcoming webinar series
With many HR Directors now tasked with enlightening and educating their workplace on menopause and its effects, we will be hosting a series of webinars to bring this topic to the fore. If you are interested in finding out more, please email Hollie Coyne at hcoyne@mdhr.co.uk
