Menopause isn’t just a health millstone – it’s a workplace and wellbeing issue. I’ve experienced it both personally and professionally. I know how it can be ignored, misunderstood or brushed aside, or seen as a natural part of life that must be managed to nurture, support and retain talent within an organisation.
It is why I particularly like this year’s Menopause Awareness Day theme, Lifestyle Medicine. Simple lifestyle changes – nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management– can make a real difference to symptoms and, just as importantly, can be easily supported in the workplace.
So, while the 18th October is an ‘awareness’ day, talking about lifestyle medicine provides an easy entry point to take action:
- Normalise conversations around health
- Train leaders and managers to provide support
- Embed policies that protect wellbeing and performance
If you believe that menopause has received too much attention lately, you might be surprised to learn that despite growing discussion, only 25% of organisations have a menopause policy. Surveys show 42% of women feel uncomfortable raising symptoms at work, two-thirds say symptoms negatively affect their performance, and 17% have left jobs as a result.
When we support menopause in the workplace, we build healthier, stronger, and more inclusive organisations.
Recognising Menopause Awareness Day is important and everyone can step up. It is a great opportunity to start reflecting on how your workplace supports women. If you’d like to explore training, resources, or support, please get in touch.
