Supporting women through menopause: how workplaces can make a difference

With a rising retirement age and increasing numbers of women in the workforce, businesses need to consider menopause as part of their health and well-being strategy.

Our colleagues in the UK have taken the initiative with a qualitative study⁽¹⁾ exploring the experiences of National Health Service (NHS) staff. The study identified helpful adjustments workplaces can make to support women during menopause.

Empowering Adjustments in the Workplace

The focus groups within the study revealed several key areas for improvement to support the NHS staff involved, including:

• Co-designed Uniforms: Ill-fitting uniforms can exacerbate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. Co-designing uniforms with breathable fabrics and looser fits can significantly improve comfort.
• Flexible Work Hours: Offering flexible work hours, including part-time options, empowers women to manage their symptoms and work-life balance more effectively.
• Work-from-home Options: Remote work arrangements can be a game-changer for women experiencing hot flashes or needing a quieter environment to focus.
• Social Support: Creating a supportive work environment where women feel comfortable discussing their experiences and accessing peer support can be invaluable.
• Understanding Managers: Educating managers about menopause and its impact equips them to be more understanding and supportive of their employees.

As always, how your organisation identifies and implements adjustments will be specific to your operations, culture and size.

‍

How can an Occupational and Environmental Physician assist?

• Telemedicine: Our telemedicine service offers advice and management for a range of symptoms commonly experienced by peri-menopausal and menopausal women, including those that can impact work performance. For example, we often respond to calls regarding carpal tunnel syndrome and other musculoskeletal issues in this sub-group of employees.
• Occupational Medical Advisory: Not sure if its a medical question or a HR/IR question? If you have questions about the way your organisation manages workplace health or if you have specific issues you need advice on, our medical advisory service can provide answers.

If you'd like to learn more about how our telemedicine service can support the health and wellbeing of your employees, particularly women going through menopause, please get in touch with Sales Operations Manager, Jolene Richards.

References:

1) A qualitative study on the experiences of NHS staff going through menopause: "I can't be dealing with this brain fog": A workplace focus group study investigating factors underpinning the menopausal experience for NHS staff. Link to the study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512223004954.