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Menopause
Menopause is a phase that every woman will go through in her lifetime, yet it comes with challenges that can touch every aspect of daily living, including the workplace. Shockingly, one in six women experiencing menopause have thought about leaving their jobs due to the struggles it brings. This is a reminder of why workplace adjustments and open communication are essential to support women during this transition.
In this article, we guide you through the process of approaching your boss to discuss menopause and requesting the necessary workplace adjustments to manage menopause effectively at work. We even include a free Menopause Adjustments in the Workplace template letter to take the worry and guesswork away.
How does menopause impact women in the workplace?
Menopause can bring a range of symptoms that may impact your ability to perform at work:
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Brain fog
- Anxiety
And more.
These symptoms can impact the quality of your work, the need for frequent breaks and other work-specific challenges. It is important that you understand your symptoms, and then begin planning to communicate these challenges with your boss. This is the first step toward finding a solution.
How to speak with your boss about Menopause
First things first, you need to prepare.
- Know your rights
Take a look into the current work policies. Is there already a Menopause policy established? If so, get familiar with this.
Depending on what the policy says, or if there even is one, the next step is to research workplace discrimination laws and rights that protect you. After all, in the UK, menopause is recognised as a workplace issue under the Equality Act 2010.
Doing this ensures you are up to date with current company information and you can advocate for yourself if necessary.
- Know your needs
Start keeping a record of how your symptoms affect your work tasks. This will allow you to identify exactly what you need, and identify patterns and this documentation will support your case when the time comes to discuss accommodations.
- Use our Menopause Adjustments in the Workplace template
We’ve prepared a template letter that:
- Addresses your employer
- The sensitivity of the situation
- Explains your symptoms and the impact on your work
- Suggests adjustments for consideration
- Explains your commitment to continued performance within your role
The template only requires your personal information to be added (your name, position within the company, menopause symptoms and any adjustments you feel would benefit you in the workplace.
Click here to download the template letter (it is completely free!)
Examples of Workplace Adjustments for Menopause
Symptom
Hot flashes and night sweats
Fatigue and low energy
Brain fog or memory lapses
Mood changes and irritability
Muscle and joint pain
Headaches
Sleep disturbances
Anxiety and stress
On symptom heavy days
Other
Suggested Workplace Adjustment(s)
– Provide access to a fan or temperature control in the workplace
– Allow flexibility in the dress code to accomodate for lighter and breathable clothing
– Provide access to a private space to allow for short breaks tocool down
– Allow flexibility in the dress code to accomodate for lighter and breathable clothing
– Provide access to a private space to allow for short breaks tocool down
– Where possible, permit flexible working hours or staggered start and finish times
– Allow for short breaks during the day to recharge
– Consider remote working options, especially on days with challenging symptoms
– Allow for short breaks during the day to recharge
– Consider remote working options, especially on days with challenging symptoms
– Provide digital tools or a physical notebook for note-taking, reminders and task management
– Allow for extended time on projects if needed, or more flexible deadlines where appropriate
– Allow for extended time on projects if needed, or more flexible deadlines where appropriate
– Ensure a supportive, understanding environment that encourages open communication
– Provide a private and safe space for brief moments of solitude when needed
– Offer access to mental health resources or support, like counselling
– Provide a private and safe space for brief moments of solitude when needed
– Offer access to mental health resources or support, like counselling
-Provide ergonomic seating or adjustable chairs and desks
– Offer access to the workplace’s wellness resources (e.g., yoga, stretching areas, physiotherapy if available)
– Offer access to the workplace’s wellness resources (e.g., yoga, stretching areas, physiotherapy if available)
– Allow for short breaks to rest and recover
– Ensure access to a quiet, dimly lit space for relief
– Ensure access to a quiet, dimly lit space for relief
– Allow for a delayed start to agreed upon days to help manage fatigue
– Regular breaks throughout the day
– To consider offering hybrid or remote work options
– Regular breaks throughout the day
– To consider offering hybrid or remote work options
– Offer access to mental health support (e.g.,counseling or therapy if available) if avialable
– Promote a flexible and understanding approach from managers regarding deadlines and workloads
– Provide access to a quiet space where employees can step away briefly when feeling overwhelmed
– Appoint a specific contact person (e.g., a line manager or HR representative) for employees to talk to when symptoms are intense
– Promote a flexible and understanding approach from managers regarding deadlines and workloads
– Provide access to a quiet space where employees can step away briefly when feeling overwhelmed
– Appoint a specific contact person (e.g., a line manager or HR representative) for employees to talk to when symptoms are intense
– Encourage colleagues and manager to treat people experiencing menopause symptoms with kindness and understanding
– Educate the wider team on menopause to build awareness and empathy in the workplace
– Appoint a specific contact person (e.g., a line manager or HR representative) for employees to talk to when symptoms are intense
– Educate the wider team on menopause to build awareness and empathy in the workplace
– Appoint a specific contact person (e.g., a line manager or HR representative) for employees to talk to when symptoms are intense
– Ensure proximity and easy access to toilet facilities
– Provide access to cold water and drinking facilities throughout the workplace
– Provide access to a quiet space where employees can step away briefly when feeling overwhelmed
– Referral to occupational health for support in managing symptoms and identifying suitable workplace adjustments
– Provide access to cold water and drinking facilities throughout the workplace
– Provide access to a quiet space where employees can step away briefly when feeling overwhelmed
– Referral to occupational health for support in managing symptoms and identifying suitable workplace adjustments
Before you go
Having a conversation like this with your employer can be daunting; especially when the topic of menopause still feels rather taboo.
Despite this, you need to know that it is your right to have adjustments put in place. You deserve to have a workplace that is as comfortable as possible whilst you make your way through the menopause transition.
Advocating for yourself is scary, but you could also be changing the lives of women around you and that come after you.
You can do it!
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