● 4.3 million women over 50 in the workplace

● 75 % of women experience symptoms

● 25% experience intense and/or frequent symptoms

● 25 % consider leaving their job

Dr Sarah Crabbe updates us on training and information she received to help in her role within York Business School

(Information from Professor Jo Brewis, Department of People and Organisations, The Open University Business School)

But with appropriate and sensitive support and training the impact of this natural stage of life can be lessened and the richness that experienced and knowledgeable women bring to the workplace can be retained.

As managers and colleagues, it pays to be aware of symptoms and support – and what is or is not acceptable to say in conversation – and to understand what is going on!

What is the menopause?

The menopause is an overarching term which covers the period of time in a woman’s life when their reproductive system is shutting down. The impacts of this change, which can take usually between five and ten years are caused by fluctuating hormone levels and changes in metabolism as well as the emotions related to this significant change.

There are three stages:

• Perimenopausal which can often last between 5 and 10 years
• Menopausal – a single day which is one year and a day after a woman’s final period
• Postmenopausal – the rest of a woman’s life

For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/

Who is impacted?

The three stages of menopause can impact a wide range of people some of whom are listed below:

Anyone with reproductive organs after puberty

Premature Menopause/Primary Ovarian Insufficiency

Hysterectomy/Endometriosis

Under/over active thyroid

Breast cancer treatment

IVF (this can often be worse in people who have had IVF)

Trans and non binary people

Family, friends, colleagues, partners

Why is it important to the workplace?

The list of symptoms related to perimenopause is extensive and in excess of 60 have currently been identified https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/signs-and-symptoms-of-menopause . The ones most often heard about are hot flushes and brain fog, but also includes disturbed sleep, increased anxiety, changes to eyesight and more.

The good news is that workplaces can make small but significant changes to the workplace to support people with perimenopause which will enable them to work safely, effectively and with dignity.

What can workplaces do?

Increase understanding – this can be through training (on-line or in person or both) – and should start with managers.

Creating a specific policy can set out expectations for both manager and employee giving clear guidance around appropriate accommodations such as flexible working, provision of fans/ alternative work spaces and so on and is strongly recommended

Decreasing the stigma by having conversations, making support part of every day life and building in accommodations.

Having a designated menopause wellbeing person who can support and signpost to resources, policies and so on to managers and colleagues as well as people with symptoms.

One of the main things any workplace can do is to ensure that open and supportive dialogue is available to all members of staff.

Acas have some good advice on their website https://www.acas.org.uk/menopause-at-work/supporting-staff-through-the-menopause

How should we talk about it?

Letting everyone know that you are ready and able to discuss menopause and the issues that might arise – for instance sharing that you have been on a training course.

In the same way that you would talk about any accommodations that a staff member needs – with dignity, respect, empowering them to ask for what they need and working within any policies that your company has.

Next steps

Check out your workplace policy – if there is one become familiar with it, if there is not one, ask for one.

Treat your colleagues with respect and don’t pry – menopause is a very personal and private issue for individuals.

Educate yourself and those around you.

For more information about the menopause, training local to you or support groups use your preferred search engine – there is a lot of stuff out there now – no excuses!

Dr Sarah Crabbe

Associate Professor, York Business School