Menopause Awareness in the Workplace
Manchester Metropolitan University has compiled a report based on client surveys conducted by Talking Menopause, which outlines a general lack of awareness when it comes to menopause in the workplace.
The survey was conducted across 14 client organisations, comprising 1,523 respondents, and has highlighted the necessity for employers to incorporate menopause awareness and support into their organisations.
The aim of the survey was to explore experiences of menopause at work, and its findings show a clear disparity between those who had negative experiences through lack of awareness and open discussion, versus those who had more positive experiences as open discussion was encouraged.
91% of respondents suggested little to no acknowledgement of menopause in their workplace, many feeling the need to hide and mask their menopause symptoms.
Where a “better awareness and understanding of the impact of symptoms” was reported, this “allowed for reasonable workplace modifications and adjustments to be made.”
Often deemed a ‘taboo’ topic, women experiencing menopause at work reported that male colleagues and managers as well as younger colleagues were among the reasons open communication was often stifled - however lack of support was considered the main issue.
Almost 70% of menopausal women felt they had moderate to no confidence in discussing menopause at work with stigma, taboo and embarressment around discussing it a challenge.
Many women interviewed reported hiding their symptoms or passing them off as something else, mostly due to embarrassment, stigma and fear of discrimination that often leaves women feeling alone and isolated and can lead to mental health issues. Women who felt they were unable to ask for support were among those experiencing difficulties in their daily tasks. Of course, they did not then want to express this for fear of discrimination, leading to more stress and anxiety, with some simply leaving their jobs altogether.
This report’s findings show that where menopause awareness is incorporated, women experiencing symptoms felt they were able to reach out for support when needed. There was a better understanding and attitude reported, meaning far less pressure and stress for those experiencing or affected by menopause.
In cases where menopause is still considered taboo or where people felt a lack of confidence in being able to discuss menopause openly, the effects were hugely negative for the individual.
In instances where women felt the necessity to leave their jobs or change roles, this clearly indicates a negative impact for the organisation too.
Everyone has the right to support at work and it is clear that we are only just scratching the surface in terms of menopause awareness. With the right training, organisations are far better equipped to handle conversations surrounding menopause as well as offer the right support and empathy to colleagues and employees. 98% of respondents felt it was important to ‘normalise’ menopause at work.
Contact Talking Menopause today to see which of our training services is right for your organisation.
Call - 0844 995 0090
Email - hello@talkingmenopause.co.uk
Talking Menopause was founded in 2017 and is now a leading provider of workshops, webinars and individually tailored programmes helping organisations transform their culture and create menopause-friendly workplaces.
Menopausal women are demographically the fastest growing group of workers in the UK, but despite it being a natural life process, the menopause – and how symptoms can affect employees and organisations as a whole – is rarely discussed.
For help to get your organising Talking Menopause, email hello@talkingmenopause.co.uk or call us direct on 0844 9950090.