The fastest growing demographic in the workplace are women of menopausal age.
There’s plenty policy guidance on pregnancy, but nothing on menopause to help guide HR. If you’re in HR, this may be a very helpful document published by the Government on Menopause transition; effects on women’s economic participation.
There have been employment tribunals of unfair dismissal for women being unsupported in the workplace.
It’s up to the organisation how formal they want to make it – policy or guidance.
As an employer what can you do?
- Training for line managers, empowering them to have perhaps difficult conversations.
- Flexible working hours to accommodate tiredness from insomnia
- Access to cool working areas and clothing of natural fibres
- Change absence policies to include one for menopause
- Support groups (virtual and actual), menopause champions
- Bathrooms which are well equipped
- USB fans
As a person what can you do?
Normalise it. Encourage people to feel comfortable discussing it – women and men.
Every women experiences it. Symptoms start on average at 48yrs, menopause average age is 51. Many women in their 40s don’t know the changes they feel are due to perimenopause. Hot flushes are often one of the later symptoms. Insomnia and anxiety tend to occur first. Not every woman experiences perimenopausal symptoms but 80% do. Here’s the more common symptoms:
- 40.3% fatigue
- 35.1% hot flushes
- 34.3% reduced focus & concentration
- 31.9% anxiety
- 29.5% insomnia
And finally
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A reminder:
- The information in this article is for educational purposes and should not replace medical advice.
- The information is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.
- If you have a diagnosed medical condition, you should consult a doctor before making any major changes to your diet, and;
- Some supplements may interact with medications and you should check with your GP before commencing any supplement programme.
