The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) made headlines recently by stating that employers can be sued if they fail to make reasonable adjustments for women going through peri/menopause.
With a recent Korn Ferry and Vira Health survey of 8000 women showing that 47% of women experience symptoms that disrupt their lives and that 13% have quit their jobs due to their symptoms, we need to be looking at ways we can break the taboo and make menopause mainstream in the workplace, says Haley White of Menospace.
Menopause and Women in STEM
In STEM fields, where female representation remains low, the difficulties linked to menopause can intensify existing gender imbalances. Symptoms like hot flushes, fatigue, mood swings, and cognitive shifts can hinder women’s performance in high-pressure STEM positions. Furthermore, the stigma and lack of awareness about menopause may discourage women from seeking necessary workplace support.
In a recent survey conducted by Women in STEMM Australia, 81% said there’s no awareness or support happening within their organisations and 83% said that there was low to no awareness or discussion of symptoms with their managers.
With one respondent saying: “For a long period, I considered suicide and realised that this was not normal. I never felt like this before menopause, but struggle with it daily since.”
Why is it essential for businesses to prioritise menopausal support?
Employers have a duty to ensure the health and safety of their employees. The number of tribunals citing menopause has tripled, highlighting a growing issue in the workplace. However, staff training and appropriate policies remain insufficient. Employers and managers must recognise that menopause is an unavoidable phase in every woman’s life, impacting not just women but also the entire workforce, including men. Ignoring it is no longer an option.
Top Tips for Supporting Menopause in the Workplace:
Develop a Menopause Policy
Having a formal policy offers clear guidance for managers, ensuring the right support is provided. A menopause policy can prevent potential legal costs and protect the company’s reputation. It outlines the company’s commitment to supporting employees and provides a framework for addressing menopause-related issues.
Create a Safe Culture
To combat the stigma surrounding menopause, it is essential to create an environment where women feel comfortable discussing their experiences. Establishing support networks can be an excellent initiative. Encouraging open dialogue and challenging negative stereotypes are crucial steps toward reducing stigma and promoting understanding.
Get Senior Management Buy-In
Change begins at the top. Senior leaders need to be aware of menopause’s impact on the workplace. By improving menopause awareness within the leadership team through training, organizations can ensure that menopause support is embedded into their overall strategy, moving beyond a mere ‘tick box’ exercise.
Make Reasonable Adjustments
Flexibility and comfort are key to supporting menopausal employees.
Reasonable adjustments might include:
- Approving requests for flexible work arrangements, such as working from home or altering work hours.
- Providing easy access to cold water, clean toilets, and washing facilities.
- Stocking sanitary products in toilets.
- Making desk fans available to help manage hot flushes.
Invest in Staff Training
Many employees and managers lack a thorough understanding of menopause and its effects. Offering comprehensive staff training can help reduce stigma and create an inclusive workplace culture. This could involve workshops, line manager training, and designating Menopause Champions who can provide ongoing support and information.
Consult with Experts
Collaborate with menopause specialists to develop tailored strategies and policies that meet the specific needs of your organisation. Expert consultancy can help ensure that the measures implemented are effective and sustainable.
Menopause is a natural phase of life that affects a significant portion of the workforce. By prioritising menopausal support, businesses can not only fulfil their legal and ethical obligations, but also enhance the physical and mental health of their employees.
About Menospace:
At Menospace, our goal is to provide practical, motivational, and inspiring training that facilitates positive change in the workplace. Small changes can have a huge impact. By being aware and offering the right support, organisations can create an environment where women can continue to thrive at work through this transition.
Visit our website for more information: www.menospace.co.uk
To book a FREE consultation email: hello@menospace.co.uk
