Menopause is a natural part of life that most women experience, usually between the ages of 45-55. But when menopause symptoms intersect with the workplace, things can get complicated. From hot flushes to ‘brain fog’, the effects can vary from person to person, making it a challenging time for employees – and, potentially, for businesses too.
That’s why we’ve put together The Business Owner’s Guide to Menopause in the Workplace to help small businesses like yours understand the importance of supporting employees during this crucial phase.
Why This Guide Matters for Your Business
While menopause is a normal biological process, it can have a significant impact on an employee’s comfort and performance at work. For many, discussing menopause with colleagues or managers can feel embarrassing or uncomfortable, which makes it even harder to manage symptoms in the workplace.
However, offering the right support isn’t just about helping employees feel comfortable – it’s also about protecting your business from potential legal risks. In a recent Employment Tribunal case, menopause symptoms were considered a disability, meaning employers could be required to make reasonable adjustments. Failing to do so could result in serious legal consequences.
Our guide offers you 10 essential steps to create a supportive, inclusive, and legally compliant workplace – helping both your employees and your business thrive.
What You’ll Learn
In the guide, you’ll discover how to:
- Create a Menopause Policy – Set clear guidelines to foster an inclusive culture and show your commitment to supporting employees going through menopause.
- Understand Menopause Symptoms – Learn about the wide range of symptoms, from hot flushes to anxiety, and how these can affect your team members.
- Know the Law – Get informed about your legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and recent tribunal rulings.
- Prevent Discrimination – Understand how to safeguard your employees and business from discrimination claims related to menopause.
- Proactively Manage Performance – Support employees who may be struggling due to menopause symptoms, ensuring you manage performance with empathy and care.
- Make Reasonable Adjustments – Simple changes such as offering flexible working hours or providing a desk fan can go a long way in supporting your employees.
- Foster an Open Culture – Encourage open conversations about menopause in your workplace to reduce stigma and create a more inclusive environment.
- Train and Educate Your Team – Ensure your line managers are equipped with the knowledge to support menopausal employees, with guidance on legal compliance and wellbeing.
The Commercial Benefits
Creating a menopause-friendly workplace isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s also a smart business move. Women over 50 are the fastest-growing workforce demographic, and by offering support, you’ll attract and retain top talent, improve morale, and boost productivity. In short, supporting employees through menopause is great for your bottom line.
Download the Guide Today
Menopause is a fact of life, but managing it at work doesn’t have to be complicated. Our guide provides the tools you need to ensure your business is prepared, inclusive, and compliant with employment law.
Holly Mapstone is an HR expert and specialises in helping those of you in the SME sector with all of your HR needs.
Consultancy allows Holly to be agile and to adapt her style and support to suit the needs of her clients. Building strong working relationships allows Holly to deliver improvements, while also aligning people strategy to business outcomes and promoting resilient and positive cultures.
Need Advice?
If you need a hand with any of this, or anything else when it comes to the people and practices in your business, we’d love to help. We are always happy to debate the pros/cons, dos/don’ts with you so please do talk to us if we can help in any way, we are here to support you. Just give us a call and arrange a free consultation. You can talk to Alison directly on 07967 221595 or email info@enlightenhr.com
