Menopause and the workplace

In a recent US survey, nearly half the working women aged 45 to 60 found that managing menopausal symptoms in their work life was extremely or somewhat difficult.
Menopause usually occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55 and may result in a variety of symptoms lasting from four to eight years. 16% of female staff at the University are aged between 51 - 65 years old.

Read more at Information for Managers: Menopause

Support at work

Increase your understanding of menopause; see the resources below, discuss with your GP; share coping strategies with friends and colleagues.

Discuss any practical needs with your line manager, HR or another manager you feel comfortable talking to.

Examples of support at work

  • Adjustments to workplace temperature control and ventilation 
  • Flexible working hours
  • Access to a quiet place for work or short breaks
  • Noise-cancelling headphones
  • Access to cold drinking water
  • Access to washroom facilities and toilets

Menopause Matters Slides

Resources

Australasian Menopause Society
menopause.org.au
Provides educational information for both health professionals and women, links to the latest research, information sheets and resources and a directory of doctors who specialise in womens health and menopause. 

NZ Early Menopause Support Group
earlymenopause.org.nz
An information website with news, links, discussion groups and support groups

Health Navigator
Health Navigator- Menopause
New Zealand based not-for-profit website backed by District Health Boards which provides information and key links.

References

A Fenton, N Parry. Menopause and the Workplace, Climacteric, Jan 2016.

Guidance on menopause and the workplace. Faculty of Occupational Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians. www.fom.ac.uk