Menopause usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, often when women have reached senior and highly skilled roles. Symptoms such as hot flushes, brain fog, reduced concentration and poor sleep can significantly affect how someone feels and performs at work, yet many employers still overlook them. This guide explains why menopause matters at work, what employers can do, and how colleagues can help.
Why menopause matters at work
A 2019 survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that three in five working women going through menopause were negatively affected at work. Research by Bupa estimated that almost 900,000 women in the UK have left their jobs because of menopausal symptoms.
The effects reach beyond the individual:
- Sickness absence. Hot flushes, night sweats, fatigue and mood changes can disrupt someone’s ability to work, adding strain on colleagues who cover.
- Relationships with colleagues. Irritability, anxiety or low mood can affect teamwork. A supportive, empathetic environment helps avoid conflict.
- Productivity and morale. Without support, discomfort and distraction make it harder to focus, which can lower output and job satisfaction.
- Losing experienced people. When skilled, senior employees leave, organisations lose knowledge and continuity, and face the cost of recruiting and training replacements. Menopause-related attrition can also reduce diversity in senior roles.
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What employers can do
Becoming a menopause-friendly workplace means recognising the needs of employees going through menopause and offering support, resources and education.
- Flexible working. Remote working options or adjusted hours can ease many of the challenges.
- A menopause policy. A clear policy shows commitment and can include extra breaks, access to private spaces, and adjustments to uniforms or dress codes.
- Awareness training. Training for employees and managers builds understanding, reduces stigma and makes it easier to talk openly.
- Employee assistance programmes. Access to counselling and support groups can help people through this phase.
- Free guidance. The British Standards Institution’s guide BS 30416: Menstruation, menstrual health and menopause in the workplace is free to organisations. TMC Health was a stakeholder in its development.
Legal considerations
Menopause is not itself a protected characteristic under UK employment law. However, women have won employment tribunal cases on the grounds of disability and sex discrimination, with compensation running into thousands of pounds. Supporting employees through menopause is good practice and also reduces legal risk.
Supporting a colleague, friend or loved one
Understanding and empathy make a real difference to someone going through menopause.
- Learn about it. Understanding the physical and emotional changes helps you empathise. Women’s Health Concern and Menopause Matters offer evidence-based information.
- Talk openly. Let them know you’re willing to listen. Sometimes having someone to talk to makes a significant difference.
- Be patient. Mood swings, irritability and sadness can happen. Offer understanding rather than reacting negatively.
- Offer practical help when fatigue or other symptoms make usual routines hard.
- Be flexible if they need to adjust their routine, whether that’s sleep, exercise or diet.
- Respect their choices. Some people choose menopause hormone therapy and others don’t. Respect their decisions about their healthcare.
- Validate their feelings and avoid dismissing symptoms or suggesting they are overreacting.
Choosing who delivers menopause education
Not all menopause education is equal. Some menopause coaches have no formal medical training, which can lead to inaccurate information being shared with employees. Sessions led by qualified clinicians, such as British Menopause Society (BMS) menopause specialists, bring evidence-based knowledge of the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of menopause, the latest research and the treatments available.
How TMC Health can help
Our menopause in the workplace seminars and webinars are developed and delivered by qualified clinicians, led by Dr Joanne Hobson, BMS menopause specialist and our CEO. Sessions give employees and managers accurate, evidence-based information and practical guidance on creating a supportive workplace culture.
See our training for organisations and professionals, or contact us to talk about a session for your workplace.
