Supporting Women at Work: How to Create a Menopause-Friendly Workplace

Menopause at Work: Supporting Women in the Workplace 

Menopause is a natural stage of life that women experience, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. Despite its prevalence, it remains a somewhat taboo subject, especially in the workplace. At EVOLVE, as a predominantly female workplace, we aim to destigmatise menopause in the workplace. Symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, and memory lapses can significantly impact daily work life, making it essential for employers to understand and support their staff through this transition. 

The Impact of Menopause on Work 

For many women, menopause arrives at a pivotal point in their careers. Managing menopause symptoms can be challenging, impacting concentration, energy levels, overall comfort, and potentially affecting confidence. It’s important for workplaces to foster an environment where these challenges are acknowledged and addressed. 

How Employers Can Help 

Creating a menopause-friendly workplace involves simple yet effective steps: 

• Flexible Working Hours: Allow for flexible schedules to accommodate varying energy levels and medical appointments. 

• Awareness Training: Educate managers and staff about menopause to foster understanding and empathy. 

• Comfortable Work Environment: Ensure that the office is a comfortable temperature and provide access to cool drinking water and private spaces for breaks. 

• Be respectful: Making jokes about women experiencing menopause is not only insensitive but can also be deeply upsetting and triggering. 

Support for Employees 

Women experiencing menopause can also take steps to manage their symptoms at work: 

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help manage hot flushes. 

• Dress in Layers: Wearing layers allows for easy adjustment to sudden temperature changes. 

• Regular Breaks: Taking short, frequent breaks can help maintain focus and energy levels. 

• Self-care: Many women have gone through menopause, but everyone's experience is different. Don't be hard on yourself if you're finding the symptoms more challenging than a co-worker does. 

Get Our Free Menopause at Work Guide 

We believe that every workplace should be supportive and inclusive. To help you create a menopause-friendly environment, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide. For more information and to receive your free copy of our Menopause at Work guide, get in touch with us today at Hello@go-evolve.co.uk.