Yep, that’s right, the “M” word. It’s time to break the silence and understand why raising awareness of menopause is crucial.
First off, here are some eye-opening stats:
- Over 25 million women in the workforce are going through menopause.
- The average age of menopause is around 51, meaning many women are working through this transition.
- 80% of women experience menopausal symptoms, which can range from hot flashes to mood swings.
So, Why Does It Matter at Work?
Supporting Your Team: Menopause affects your colleagues, maybe even your boss. By raising awareness, you create a supportive environment where people can discuss their experiences and needs openly.
Menopausal symptoms can impact productivity and wellbeing. Let’s think about that for a while, ever had a hot flush during a meeting? It happens, and it’s one of the most common symptoms women report throughout menopause. Just being aware of this will allow a shift in behaviour and perhaps, can change the experience for one of you colleagues. Anxiety around hot flushes and the lack of concentration they bring can be overwhelming for those experiencing them. Acknowledging this phase helps organisations adapt to support their team better.
Menopause is a natural life phase, and everyone deserves equal treatment and opportunities at work. Awareness combats discrimination and fosters inclusivity. The simple addition of a desk or handheld fan, rooms at a cooler temperature, or subtle breaks throughout, recaps of points raised etc.
Organisations that support their menopausal employees are more likely to retain top talent. Many women leave their careers or change career during the menopause as their symptoms take over their ability to perform in their roles. The lack of confidence with things like anxiety, brain fog and loss of confidence all contribute. By having a supportive team and culture it allows employees to navigate safely through their symptoms and still achieve in their role, plus, businesses can tap into a diverse talent pool.
Talking about menopause at work isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and understood. It’s about acknowledging that life doesn’t stop when menopause starts. So, let’s start the conversation, support each other, and create a more inclusive and empathetic work environment. Menopause matters, and it’s time we gave it the attention it deserves.
How will you open up the conversation in your organisation?
