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Menopause Support In The Workplace
Testing and workshops to support all staff around menopause
Menopause in the Workplace
Workplace menopause support is becoming increasingly more important. Menopause typically starts between the ages of 45 and 55, which is one of the fastest-growing demographics in the UK workforce.
Opening the conversation and building awareness around menopause is one of the best ways to support all of your staff when it comes to this significant life stage.
To help support your workplace, we offer:
- Menopause self-testing kits.
- Menopause awareness workshops.
Menopause Testing Services
New Leaf Health can provide Menopause Testing for your workplace to help support your occupational health strategy, or as part of an overall wellbeing initiative.
This is a simple self-test, used in a similar manner to an over-the-counter pregnancy test, which checks the levels of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), which tends to rise as the body produces less oestrogen at the onset of menopause.
We have two options available for the delivery of these tests:
- Facilitated testing: We provide tests to your workplace, supplemented by a webinar workshop.
- Champion-led testing: We provide the tests to your workplace, and your Wellbeing Champions encourage uptake and point people towards further support.
Key Stats Around Menopause in the Workplace
There is a lot of research and evidence around menopause in the workplace. Unfortunately, however, most of the stats are alarming, and point squarely at the employer needing to offer further support for menopausal workers.
- The average age of menopause in the UK is 51, but 1 in 100 people experience it before 40.
- 8 out of 10 people with menopause are in work.
- Around two thirds of women experiencing menopausal symptoms say that it has a negative effect on them at work.
- Only 24% of survey respondents say that their organisation has a documented menopause policy.
- Around 1 in 6 of workers reported considering leaving their job due to lack of support with menopause symptoms.
- It’s estimated that the UK economy loses around 14 million working days (equivalent to GBP 1.8 billion) per year due to menopause-related symptoms.
- Around two thirds of survey respondents considered moving to an organisation with better menopause support.
Fortunately, the stats seem to indicate that by offering enhanced menopause support, businesses will be able to retain top talent, whilst reducing absenteeism and presenteeism related to menopause, benefiting both employers and employees in the process.
Workplace Menopause Support Workshop
Our menopause support in the workplace services also include standalone menopause workshops without the testing service. These can be delivered on-site or online and are suitable for all of your staff, regardless of age or gender.
Workshops are designed to look at the symptoms of menopause, the effects it has on physical and mental health, as well as the best way that people experiencing menopause can support themselves. The sessions also look at how those not experiencing menopause (or won’t) can offer support.
Menopause Training for Line Managers
In addition to menopause testing and workshops, we also offer menopause training for line managers. Through this training, we explore how line managers and workplace leaders can:
- Understand menopause and its stages.
- Recognised associated signs and symptoms.
- Explore the impact on both teams and individuals.
- Signpost employees to further support.
- Recognise and respect boundaries
- Understand their role in building a supportive culture.
These courses are bespoked to your organisation, and we’ll work with our menopause experts to discuss the best way to train and support your workplace leaders.
Why Work with New Leaf Health?
We’ve been delivering outstanding workplace wellbeing services across the UK for over 25 years, making us one of the most active and experienced workplace wellbeing companies in the UK. We’ve worked with a range of clients in all different sectors, including the UK government, the NHS, and many organisations in the private sector. This means we understand the challenges that different industries face when it comes to supporting a diverse workforce. If you’re looking to improve your wellbeing programme in a practical and meaningful way, we can help.
Our experienced facilitators deliver menopause workshops aimed to inform, engage and empower your staff. At the end of the workshop, your team will feel more confident discussing menopause, and have a better understanding of the symptoms and support options, creating a more inclusive culture in the workplace.
More Information on Menopause Support in the Workplace
Can the menopause workshop be tailored to our workforce?
Absolutely! Before the menopause workshop, we can chat with you to understand your organisation’s needs, workforce demographics, and any specific challenges your team might be facing. This allows us to tailor the session’s content so it feels relevant and useful for your employees.
How do you support someone with menopause in the workplace?
Here are some ways you can create a supportive and inclusive environment for employees experiencing menopause:
- Use World Menopause Day as an opportunity to raise awareness and share helpful resources across your teams. We also offer free World Menopause Day Posters to help you promote a more open and understanding workplace culture.
- Offer those going through menopause flexible hours or hybrid working to support them with managing symptoms such as fatigue or lack of sleep.
- Ensure employees don’t get too hot or uncomfortable while working. This can be as simple as providing desk fans, access to windows, or the ability to move desks if needed.
- Offer flexible uniform options to give staff more control over their comfort to help them better manage hot flushes or temperature fluctuations.
Also read our blog on 5 Things Managers Should Know About Menopause to learn how to support your employees around menopause at work and improve their performance, wellbeing and career prospects.
What are my rights at work with menopause?
Those experiencing menopause cannot be mistreated because of symptoms related to age, gender, or health. The Equality Act 2010 protects employees from discrimination and ensures that reasonable adjustments should be made where necessary to support those going through menopause.
Is menopause a reason to be off work?
There are no specific laws regarding menopause-related sick leave. However, if an employee feels they have been treated unfairly by their employers due to menopause symptoms, it could be considered discrimination, which is illegal under the Equality Act.
You can be signed off work due to symptoms caused by experiencing menopause, such as depression, anxiety, or chronic fatigue.
What other workplace wellbeing services do you offer?
If you feel your workplace could benefit from additional support, we offer a wide range of services to help build a healthier, happier team. Our wellbeing services include workplace counselling, employee health screenings, workplace neurodiversity awareness training, and a variety of engaging workplace wellbeing workshops to improve both physical and mental health across your organisation.