This is a toolkit for employers and employees looking to understand and support team members going through menopause.
Navigating menopause in the workplace
Menopause is a natural stage of life affecting more than half of the workforce, yet it remains stigmatised. This stigma often prevents people from comfortably discussing their challenging symptoms with colleagues or management.
A recent study, spanning various organisations, has uncovered a notable connection; the more a person experiences menopause-related symptoms, the lower their engagement, job satisfaction, commitment to their organisation, and the higher their likelihood of contemplating leaving their job.
At AIA, we understand the importance of raising awareness about perimenopause and menopause and the role a supportive workplace plays in promoting healthy ageing.
Our aim is to provide you with the tools and resources needed to ensure your workplace effectively supports individuals navigating menopause.
What can you gain from this toolkit
A comprehensive understanding of menopause and its symptoms.
- Help identifying and addressing barriers faced by colleagues experiencing menopause.
- Confidence in your role as a supportive colleague for those with menopausal symptoms.
- Practical workplace adjustments to enhance employee wellbeing and help them thrive at work.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is a natural process experienced by the majority of women and some people who are transgender or non-binary.
Symptoms are experienced as oestrogen levels decline and periods cease.
Rather than a singular event, menopausal symptoms typically span several years, making it best described as a transitional phase.
When does it occur?
This biological transition typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and can extend over several years. However, early menopause may occur before this timeframe.
Perimenopause is the phase leading up to menopause, where hormonal shifts begin. For a minority of people, perimenopause can start as early as their twenties, while others may experience it in their late forties.
This highlights the importance of not presuming whether someone is going through menopause. Instead, we need to foster an environment where people feel safe and encouraged to communicate their symptoms to colleagues or managers.