Menopause in the Workplace

Menopause is a potent but natural element that women (usually between the ages of 45 to 55) have to manage, not just in their personal life but their work life too. Commonly, menopause starts when a women’s oestrogen levels decrease due to a variety of bodily changes, but there are sometimes different reasons for this.  Davina McCall has been highlighting the menopause issue in her recent insightful documentaries.

Women represent nearly 50% of the world’s population, and 75% of women claim that menopause has completely transformed their working life, psychologically as well as physically, causing common symptoms to become problematic in the workplace. Most women at work experience the same, familiar symptoms including tiredness, hot flushes, low confidence and poor concentration/memory.

Due to menopause, research shows that more women are choosing to leave their workplace, rather than openly speaking about it to their managers to seek the aid that they so desperately need. Lack of concentration and hot flushes are known to be the most disruptive symptoms for the working environment. This is simply because they become a distraction and can also decrease motivation.

Employers are being encouraged to raise awareness and support to those around them who may be in the menopause stage of their life.  Employers may think there isn’t much that they can do, but that isn’t the case at all.  They can encourage their staff to simply talk about it, or even seek professional guidance if they prefer, but maybe it’s time for some small changes to be made in the office to make it more comfortable for our female colleagues. With the right support and awareness in the work place, menopause need not be an issue at all.

 

Comments

Leave yours below.