Supporting staff through the menopause  

What is the menopause?

The menopause is a natural part of ageing which affects most women and also trans and non-binary people who may not identify as women. 

The average age for the menopause in the UK is 51 although it can happen a lot earlier. It is often preceded by the perimenopause which can involve similar symptoms to the menopause.  

The menopause affects each person uniquely and in various ways. Its symptoms can include, but are not limited to:  

• hot flushes 
• difficulty sleeping 
• mood swings 
• memory loss 
• dizziness 
• reduced concentration 
• fatigue 
• muscle pain; and 
• anxiety 

The Women and Equalities Committee of the House of Commons conducted a survey in September 2021 of over 2000 people relating to their experience of menopause in the workplace. It found that the majority of respondents reported that menopause symptoms affected them at work, including a loss of ability to concentrate, increased stress and a loss of confidence. More than two thirds of respondents said they did not tell anyone at work. The reasons for this included privacy and a fear of people’s reactions and a significant number did not know who they should tell. 31% of respondents took time off work due to the symptoms. 

When asked what employers should do to help support employees, a number of themes emerged including providing adjustments, having policies in place, providing flexibility, educating others, supporting cultural changes and developing support networks. 

A report produced by the Fawcett Society, a charity that campaign for gender equality, found that one in ten respondents who had worked during the menopause had left their jobs due to their symptoms. Eight out of ten respondents also said that their employer hadn’t shared information, trained staff or put in place a menopause absence policy.