Menopause, often referred to as the “silent career killer,” poses unique challenges for women in the workforce. Recent data from the CIPD reveals that one in four women in the workplace are either experiencing menopause or have gone through it. Additionally, a staggering 900,000 women in the UK have left their jobs due to menopause-related issues, highlighting the profound impact this phase can have on women’s professional lives.
MP Carolyn Harris has been a driving force in advocating for menopause support and awareness in the UK. Her efforts have led to significant advancements, including the establishment of a Menopause Taskforce and the introduction of the Menopause (Support and Services) Bill in Parliament. While the bill did not progress beyond the second reading, it spurred crucial discussions on menopause support services and policies.
In a groundbreaking move, the new UK government has now mandated that corporations of over 250 people, develop Menopause Action Plans to support employees transitioning through menopause. This proactive approach aims to create inclusive and supportive workplace environments where women feel understood, valued, and supported.
By raising menopause awareness and support in the workplace, we can create a more equitable and empowering landscape for women, ensuring that they receive all the necessary assistance and resources to thrive throughout every stage of their professional journey.
Here are our top tips for workers to advocate for changes in their workplace:
- Educate Yourself: Take the time to understand the challenges faced by those experiencing menopause at work.
- Start Conversations: Initiate discussions with your colleagues, HR department, and management about the need for menopause support and awareness.
- Share Stories: Encourage women to share their experiences and challenges with menopause to build empathy and understanding.
- Collaborate: Form or join groups to advocate for workplace changes related to menopause support and policies.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of legislative developments, research findings, and best practices related to menopause support in the workplace.
- Propose Solutions: Offer constructive suggestions for creating supportive and inclusive workplace environments.
- Leverage Resources: Utilise reports, studies, and guidelines from reputable organisations to support your advocacy efforts.
- Engage Decision-makers: Present your case for menopause support to senior leadership, policymakers, and employee representative bodies.
- Promote Training: Advocate for training programs to educate managers and colleagues about menopause and its impact on women in the workforce.
- Persist and Mobilise: Continuously champion the cause for menopause support in the workplace and mobilise support from allies to drive meaningful change.
By raising menopause awareness and support, we can create a more equitable and empowering landscape for women, ensuring that they receive all the necessary assistance and resources to thrive throughout every stage of their professional journey.
At the Kathryn Colas Menopause Academy, our commitment to building understanding and support for employees experiencing menopause is at the forefront of our mission. We recognise that well-trained teams are essential to creating a culture of equality and diversity, and we are here to help. We invite you to reach out and start a conversation with us about tailored training solutions such as CPD accredited training and workshops that address menopause-related challenges within your organisation. Together, we can take proactive steps toward building a more equitable workplace where everyone can flourish. Contact natasha@kathryncolasacademy.com for more information.
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