Understanding the Impact of Menopause at Work

Menstruation and menopause is a fact of life for half the working population and yet we’re only just starting to talk about it in the workplace.

A poll in May 2023 revealed that 85% of UK working women feel stress or anxiety managing their period at work, and 63% said they feel uncomfortable talking about the subject, with 1 in 10 saying this is partly because of unsupportive management.

According to the CIPD, three out of five working women between the ages of 45 and 55 who are experiencing menopause symptoms say it has a negative impact on them at work, with well-documented symptoms including reduced ability to concentrate, mood swings, anxiety, memory loss and increased stress.

As a responsible employer, manager or colleague, it’s crucial to be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate effectively and provide support during these key phases.

In this Boardroom we’ll explore the business case for supporting menstruation and menopause at work and the steps you can take to foster open conversations to create a supportive environment where individuals and businesses can thrive.

Ali Grady (Chartered FCIPD) is a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor, Certified Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner and accredited coach. Connect on https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-grady-the-thrive-team/ or visit www.thethriveteam.co.uk

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