Navigating Menopause In The Workplace – Strategies For Supporting Employees
- Jul 4, 2023
- 4 min read
Written by: Stephanie Shaw, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Menopause is a natural change that occurs in a woman's body. Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone increase and decrease, causing the woman's body to react to these changes.
Most women will experience at least one menopausal symptom, and close to one-third will experience severe symptoms. This in no way makes them incapable of doing their jobs; this makes them human and in need of support.
Menopause has for too long been left out of the conversation at work.
It may be because women are initially unaware of what is happening in their bodies, so it's brushed off as a few sleepless nights or an occasional headache. Or could it be a fear of repercussions because of the assumptions often made about menopausal women – moody, anxious, combative? In the case of the male coworker, perhaps he is afraid to initiate the conversation. Or it may be that neither party knows what to do when hot flashes, anxiety, and exhaustion appear in the board room. No matter the reason, there has to be a conversation and meaningful support.
We need women of all ages at the table.
Perimenopause can happen in a woman's 30s. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2020, 64.3% of the labor force was made up of women ages 35+, and in 2029 it's projected that this number will rise to 66.7%. Women bring unique perspectives and talents to the table; they are intuitive and can make emotional connections, leading to company growth. Now, I'm not saying men can't bring the same things to the table; I am saying it's essential to have a diverse perspective in the workplace, and that can't happen if women who are menopausal don't feel respected, valued, and understood.
In 2022, Newson Health Research and Education surveyed 3,800 UK women. They found that "99% of respondents said their perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms had led to a negative impact on their careers, with more than a third calling the impact' significant.'" And 60% of the women surveyed said their workplace offered no menopause support.
If organizations want to retain great employees, they must create menopause policies for women and men.
It's not enough to only mention women in the "menopause section" of your HR manual. The men in your organization play an important role in understanding and adhering to policy, so HR must outline their role.
Men need to understand the changes that are taking place and how they can help or hinder their coworkers.
2022 research by McKinsey & Co., Women In The Workplace, cited that one of two recommendations for leaders was for companies to retain the women leaders they have. And retention can only happen if everyone is at the table making a concerted effort.
Policy changes that go beyond words written in an HR manual will show that you recognize and honor this time of transition in the life of your female employees, which will ultimately support retention.
Here are a few ways to support your employees:
Eliminate the Fear. Create an environment where women know it's ok to voice their concerns and make requests that work well for them and the organization.
Engage Male Employees in the Conversation. Often ignorance can lead to false assumptions. Requiring male employees to attend awareness sessions can create more of a real team environment.
Create a Policy. Have your HR department create a policy around menopause. The policy could include expectations of managing the employee and guidelines that highlight how you plan to create a judgment-free workplace.
Raise Awareness and Education. While the entire office may not need to know "Sally's business," staff should understand menopause and its potential impact on coworkers and the team. Conduct trainings or workshops on menopause, its symptoms, and its effect on the overall work environment. Encourage conversations that dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding menopause.
Offer A Flexible Work Schedule. Allow women to work flexible hours, remotely, or on some adjusted schedule. Doing so allows your employees to manage their symptoms and will support increased productivity. This also shows your commitment to your team.
Make Workplace Support Available. Establish or support groups that focus specifically on menopause health or women's health and wellness. You can do this by offering free meeting space after work or allowing women to meet during work hours. The group can provide a safe space to share ideas and develop creative solutions for navigating menopause. Encourage networking and mentorship within the group to foster a sense of community.
By implementing these strategies, businesses can create a supportive environment that acknowledges and accommodates the unique needs of menopausal women. Employers can also support their retention efforts.
Supporting women during this transition enhances their well-being, boosts productivity, reduces absenteeism, and contributes to positive work culture. Creating a workplace that values and supports menopausal women is an investment in employee satisfaction and organizational success.
If you want to retain talent by supporting the women in your organization but are still determining the next steps, click here to schedule a talk.
Each week Stephanie airs her podcast Hello, Hot Flash, where midlife women can learn from guest experts how to navigate menopause – join her.
Find out more about Stephanie by reading her recent Brainz interview. You can also find Stephanie on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, or visit her website to learn more.
Stephanie Shaw, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Stephanie Shaw is the host of Hello, Hot Flash podcast. An educator by nature, Stephanie took the strategies she implemented to recover from a two-year illness and turned them into a weekly podcast and online education business where she teaches midlife women how to manage their hormones to lose weight, have more energy, and slow the aging process. Stephanie Shaw is the host of Hello, Hot Flash podcast. An educator by nature, Stephanie took the strategies she implemented to recover from a two-year illness and turned them into a weekly podcast and online education business where she teaches midlife women how to manage their hormones to lose weight, have more energy, and slow the aging process.
