Menopause: Why should organisations care?
All women experience menopause making it inevitable that all organisations will have someone working through this transition at some point in time.
Severe menopausal symptoms can influence business productivity, attrition, employee engagement, well-being and absenteeism so it makes sense for businesses to understand this life phase.
Although people associate menopause with hot flushes, there are many more symptoms:
Psychological
Anxiety, depression, sadness, difficulty concentrating, crying spells, loss of interest in most things, overreacting to minor upsets, anger and irritability, forgetfulness and mood swings, feeling tense/nervous, excitability, panic attacks, beliefs about no longer being useful, distorted body image, fear of death, feeling ‘unemployable’, low self-worth.
Physical
Heart palpations, hot flushes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping/insomnia, feeling dizzy/faint, pressure or tightness in head or body, parts of body feel numb or tingly, headaches, muscle or joint pain, loss of feeling in hands or feet, breathing difficulties, loss of libido, hair thinning/loss, change in weight and fat distribution, erratic/heavy/prolonged periods, vaginal/bladder issues.
What can organisations do?
Promote awareness, understanding and encourage empathy through educating all employees and create a culture where everyone is comfortable talking about the menopause.
Offer access to menopause webinars, bring in a guest speaker, recognise menopause awareness month, provide menopause awareness training courses for managers and HR, recruit menopause ambassadors, build inclusion into company messaging and create channels for discussions.
Introduce a menopause policy or incorporate into existing policies
Adjust absence policy for menopause related issues
Make adjustments to a role or working conditions to address performance issues and provide any practical support such as flexible working, breaks or uniform changes
Be aware of the discrimination risks related to menopause related issues
Show support by signing the Workplace Menopause Pledge (Wellbeingofwomen.org.uk) and/or becoming accredited as a Menopause Friendly Organisation (menopausefriendly.co.uk).
