In the UK, more than 9 million women may be experiencing the numerous symptoms of the menopause. Often a ‘taboo’ subject, the reality is that many women struggle to manage both the psychological and physical symptoms they are experiencing, and often suffer in silence.

Research shows that more than a quarter of menopausal women will experience debilitating symptoms, and for some it forces them out of the workforce completely. Recently Bupa conducted research that found almost one million women have left a job because of symptoms of menopause. What a sad loss to industry and UK businesses!!!

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced businesses to entrust their workforce to work from home, and whereas some of the symptoms of menopause can be easier to manage from home it has left many women feeling more isolated and unsupported. 

So how can you support your female employees that may be suffering as a result of the menopause? 

Firstly, break the taboo and take away the embarrassment for what is a natural progression in female health. Create a Menopause Policy and ensure managers and team members, particularly male colleagues are educated and comfortable discussing the topic.

If necessary, provide training for line managers. There are lots of good online learning courses available. Have information leaflets available. Encourage those ‘difficult’ conversations, and include the word ‘menopause’ in relevant general correspondence.

Whilst managing some of the symptoms of menopause at home may be easier, the pressures of balancing home and work life, mixed with symptoms of the menopause may contribute to rises in anxiety and low moods having a significant impact on mental health.

Don’t just rely on team members experiencing menopause to start discussions, instead find ways to create these conversations and normalise them within the organisation. 

October 18^th is World Menopause Day. Acknowledge it, organise a fun event around it, do something for charity. Run a competition for ‘your funniest menopausal story’. There are many ways in which this can be acknowledged throughout the business.

Regardless of the impact of Covid-19 and the changes that have been enforced on the business as a result of restrictions, show your female employees you care by making a point of acknowledging that because staff are working from home, out of sight doesn’t mean out of mind. Send an email to all staff asking if they are okay? Mention that you are aware that working from home maybe difficult for some employees and make a point of saying particularly those suffering from the symptoms of menopause, stress and/or other conditions. It is just another way of normalising it and breaking the taboo.

Below are a few support links:-

https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/email-advice/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/