Menopause awareness
Women over the age of 50 are the fastest growing segment of the workforce and almost all will go through the menopause transition during their working lives.
Research by the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, indicated that three out of five working women between the ages of 45 and 55 who experienced menopause symptoms had reported a negative impact in the workplace.
- 65% said they were less able to concentrate
- 58% said they experienced more stress
- 52% said they felt less patient with colleagues and clients
- 30% said they had taken sick leave because of their symptoms, but only a quarter had felt able to tell their manager the real reason for their absence.
The menopause transition lasts, on average, for four years. Symptoms may include fatigue; headaches; mood swings; depression; sleep disturbance; hot flushes and joint aches, amongst others. It is important to recognise that for many reasons, individual experiences of the menopause may vary greatly.
Women should be able to expect support and assistance during what is, for many, a difficult time. This includes feeling able to talk to managers about menopausal symptoms and how these might impact on their work, as well as looking at suitable adjustments that can be made where reasonable. Being able to manage symptoms effectively via support in the workplace should be an important factor in helping women to experience an easier menopause transition.
Links for more information and support
British Menopause Society (BMS)
Faculty of occupational medicine guidance on menopause and the workplace
Local Government Association (LGA): managing the menopause at work