Human Resources.

Be a menopause friendly workplace.

Just under 1 million women left their job as a result of menopausal symptoms. Many more took sick days or long-term absence to manage their symptoms.

These are experienced, skilled women possibly at the height of their career.

Valuable women with knowledge and talent that will be missed and costly to replace.

Why should HR get involved?

  • Shows your organisation cares about supporting women and their colleagues

  • Demonstrate your duty of care for work place conditions

  • Attract and retain talent

  • Reduce the gender pay gap

  • Reduce sickness absence and employee turnover

  • Avoid litigation from Equality Act 2010

2017 Department of Education report Menopause transition: effects on women’s economic participation by Jo Brewis identified employers can assist in supporting menopausal women;

  • making low cost changes like the USB fans, flexible working

  • menopause is not well understood in or catered for in UK workplaces compared to pregnancy & maternity

  • open and supportive workplace environments

  • possible litigation resulting from organisational inattention to the menopause

Resources.

CIPD

Downloads with simple steps to support menopausal women in the workplace.

Priorities for people professionals including how to review current policies and help break the taboo with the support of senior leaders.

Guide for People Professionals including HR and OH to develop a supportive framework and menopause legal requirements to avoid giving rise to cases of discrimination at work

Guide for people managers that can be customised.

Posters and leaflets to download including facts about the menopause, do’s and don’ts about supporting colleagues.

Managers information to help normalise conversations and support their team members including workplace adjustments

TUC

The menopause: a workplace issue a report of a Wales TUC survey investigating the menopause in the workplace.

UNISON

The menopause is a workplace issue guidance and model policy.

OTHER RESOURCES

Channel 4 menopause policy

Dark horses menopause policy

London South Bank Uni menopause policy

National Education Union menopause policy

Faculty of Occupational Medicine

Menopause and the workplace guidance.

Infographic to assist with communications.

Health & safety

The employer must minimise, reduce or where possible remove risks including:

  • ensuring workplace doesn’t exacerbate menopausal symptoms

  • assess and implement changes at work to help a worker manage their symptoms

A health & safety risk assessment should include assessment of:

  • temperature and ventilation in the workplace

  • uniform materials

  • rest areas

  • availability of bathroom facilities

  • access to cold drinking water

For advice on carrying out a health and safety risk assessment, go to the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/risk.www.hse.gov.uk/risk

Contact us.

Contact us today to find our how we can help your organisation become menopause friendly.