Blog
07 March 2022
What Everyone Ought to Know About Menopause in the Workplace
You have probably been searching around the web for quite some time now, trying to learn as much as you can about how to manage menopause in the workplace. Or maybe you’ve even tried to put some strategies in place, but it didn’t turn out as well as you hoped. Indeed, if you’re like most businesses, then you probably ended up with no specific strategy to support your female workforce through this huge transitional phase.
What HR needs to know about Menopause in the Workplace
For those experiencing symptoms it can be a difficult and stressful time. Everyone will experience the menopause differently and for some, symptoms can be quite severe and can affect people both physically and mentally making managing menopause in the workplace essential for both employers and employees.
- 100% of women will go through the menopause.
- Trans and intersex people can also experience symptoms
- Many of these women will have to juggle the symptoms of menopause in their workplace
- 4% of businesses have a menopause in the workplace strategy in place
Why have a Menopause in the Workplace Strategy?
The average age for menopause symptoms to begin is between 45 & 55. Symptoms vary in severity from zero to debilitating and last anything from a few days to years, is some cases up to 10 years.
The average age for executive promotions is 48. Therefore, many women could be missing out on the chance for promotion due to a natural occurrence. It is reported that up to 40% of women change or leave their job due to menopause symptoms.
Why support women in the workplace?
For employers, the menopause is a health and wellbeing concern for staff and needs to be addressed sensitively.
let’s face it women are superstars, naturally women support, guide and nurture others. Many women not only have a full-time job but also manage a household and family. They give their all to those around them, despite and in spite of hormonal changes that occur regularly for most.
Menopausal symptoms can also affect colleagues and family of those going through this transition.
Women, therefore, have a considerable skillset that can be passed onto others within the workplace.
Developing a Menopause in the Workplace Policy
A Menopause in the Workplace would help make employees going through this transition feel supported.
The menopause in the Workplace policy can help everyone understand:
- What the menopause is and how it affects people
- How affects can be different for everyone
- What support is available within the organisation
The Menopause in The Workplace Policy could include:
- What training is provided and available within the organisation
- Points of contact to obtain support
- Acknowledgment that each individual experience will be different
The menopause in the workplace policy should also relate to current health and safety policy.
- Approximately half of the population will experience menopause symptoms
- Menopause symptoms can be both physically and mentally challenging
- Menopause in the Workplace needs to be considered in all organisation policies
- Women going through menopause have a lot to offer and benefit both the organisation and themselves by being cared for and retained.
Email: info@traceymontgomery.org
