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HOW TO SUPPORT THOSE EXPERIENCING MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS IN THE WORKPLACE
By Guest Contributor Healthily
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As the UK is currently going through a “great resignation”, employers now need to show staff that they are invested in their health and wellbeing.
Support for women going through menopause while at work is one area where sufficient support is still missing.
Research has found that 85% of women are likely to experience menopausal symptoms ranging from mild to severe, with a varying degree of disruption to their lives and a further 20% of women report severe symptoms.
It’s likely that women are experiencing these symptoms when in the workplace which could have a huge impact on an employee’s job performance, and their ability to complete certain tasks.
With menopause affecting most between the ages 45-55, the importance of supporting employees experiencing symptoms in the workplace is paramount.
Reports across the country highlight the experiences some people are having when experiencing menopause – from having to leave jobs to taking unpaid leave.
Symptoms of menopause can often include hot flushes, headaches, and anxiety, along with a number of other less common symptoms like problems with memory and concentration. These symptoms are very likely to have an impact on an individual’s mindset and in turn, could go on to impact an employee’s performance.
There are several things that workplaces can put in place to help those that are experiencing symptoms:
Temperature control
Hot flushes are known to be one of the main symptoms of menopause, therefore having a comfortable office temperature can help, chilled water and desk fans are also a good way to further support.
Flexible working
Difficulty sleeping can no doubt impact an individual’s concentration levels throughout the day, and as this is also a common symptom of menopause, encouraging flexible working and a change in hours could really help an individual. Offering reduced hours for a period of time may also be beneficial.
Information sessions
Knowledge and education around menopause need to be improved, and this is currently highlighted within the media. Having expert-led sessions on the subject will help build further understanding. These should aim to increase awareness and provide information on the subject areas. Encouraging managers to attend these is crucial to helping support all staff members.
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Menopause is a fact of every woman’s life. For 75% of women, the symptoms they experience will have a detrimental effect on their ability to work, interact with colleagues and maintain relationships with those they love. It can have a corrosive effect on women’s confidence, social ability and even their sense of self. Moving forward, it is important to create a conversation around menopause and how organizations and individuals can be more empathetic to women at this stage of life.
In Your Second Phase, Kate explores the best ways to cope with these changes, how to manage new and existing relationships and how to manage your future – all in an accessible and entertaining way.