Blog - Time to talk menopause in the workplace!

Menopause is something that affects all of us, either someone who will go through it or someone who knows someone going through it, so we all have a responsibility both at work and at home to increase our awareness and knowledge in order to offer support to those going through the perimenopause and menopause.
Menopause usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age although can arrive earlier for some! Symptoms begin in perimenopause, which is the time before menopause and on average, most symptoms last around four years or longer!
 
Yet beyond hot flushes, the symptoms of menopause and the effects these can have on people’s lives are not always well known.  Whilst some people may experience minimal symptoms, the NHS also included a wider variety including difficulty sleeping, problems with memory and concentration, headaches, mood or anxiety, amongst others. 
 
Published data from the Office for National Statistics show that “menopausal women are the fastest growing workforce demographic”, and that with the rising state pension age, one in three people in the workforce will soon be over 50. 
As a manager, you have an important role to play in ensuring that anyone experiencing menopausal symptoms gets the same support and understanding as if they had any other health issue. It is important that employers feel equipped to provide appropriate support to employees. Menopause in the Workplace points out that managers do not need to be menopause experts, and it is not the role of a manager to offer medical advice. Awareness of symptoms can be helpful, but not everybody has the same experience of menopause, so take care not to make assumptions. If you are concerned about an employee, asking how they are is a good place to start.  There is nothing to be embarrassed about, and from an open conversation, you may be able to identify ways to support an employee. By keeping an open mind, it may be possible to identify adjustments (if appropriate) that would really help them to manage their symptoms and their impact on their working life..

CIPD have produced a helpful guidance document for managers. https://www.cipd.co.uk/Images/line-manager-guide-to-menopause_tcm18-95174.pdf

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