Increased rates of employment among women aged 50 and over mean that more working women than ever before will experience the menopause.
So what can we all do to ensure those going through the menopause feel supported in their workplace?
Why menopause is a business issue
Menopause symptoms, along with a culture of silence, are affecting women’s progression in the workplace. Research in the financial services sector, for example, found that for nearly half of women and trans men, symptoms made them less likely to want to apply for a promotion, whilst a quarter of employees said their experience has made them more likely to leave the workforce before retirement.
Managers and leaders should lead by example and enable good conversations about menopause, to understand what it is, how it can affect an employee and how businesses can help find the right support. It is therefore important to make menopause a normal health matter to talk about in the workplace, as it gives employees the confidence to ask for help and support if they need it.
I think the worst part of being a menopausal woman at work, is that I frequently suffer from brain fog, where I start a sentence and really don’t know how it is going to end! When your main job is to liaise with and present to clients, this can be really disruptive. Fortunately, I am not embarrassed to be a “woman of a certain age” so I will always explain if this happens, but not every woman feels comfortable being so open!
Sue Wright, Senior EPA Engagement Manager, CMIResources and Articles
9 entries found
Topic: Equality and Diversity
How to be an inclusive leader (without virtue signalling)
Research: having a properly trained manager is the most influential factor in people feeling supported at work
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Topic: Equality and Diversity
“The culture needs to change” – 6 things we learned at CMI Women
This year’s CMI Women Conference was full of actionable strategies for advancing inclusion. Here are just six key insights…
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Topic: Equality and Diversity
Menopause: Expert guidance to support your people
Two-thirds of women feel unsupported with menopause symptoms at work, so what can managers do to best support them?
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Topic: Menopause
Brain Fog, Flushes & Frustrations: Menopause – Supporting the women we work with through their careers
Menopause can impact women’s progression in to leadership roles. Learn how managers can support their staff through this.
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Topic: Personal Development
6 things all managers need to know about the menopause
What’s the impact? Should you approach employees about it? How should male managers approach it? We’ve got the answers
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Topic: Personal Development
10 simple ways you can support your menopausal employees
Taking the lead on breaking the stigma and supporting your employees isn’t hard – as these practical changes show
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Topic: Menopause
Change for the Better
The key aspects to be considered by organisations to best support their workforce through the menopause.
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Topic: Menopause
Menopause, and the workplace
How menopause friendly is your organisation? Understand what you can do to help and how.
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How CMI can help
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