Let's talk about the Menopause

Support for better conversations about the menopause in the workplace is now available, as a new resource for colleagues is published.  

Managing the menopause at work: A guide for employees and their managers launches this World Menopause Day (18 October 2023), and adds to a range of support offered by the University and the Women@ Reading Staff Network.  

It provides staff and line managers with more information about the menopause, its symptoms, and tips for line managers on what they can practically do to enable those experiencing menopause symptoms.

It also offers advice on having conversations about the menopause, if people want to, and manage symptoms better in the workplace environment.  

Breaking the taboo

In July 2022, the UK Parliament’s Women and Equalities Select Committee found that a lack of support for menopause symptoms at work led to some women cutting back their hours, responsibilities, or leaving work altogether.  

By breaking down the taboo about discussing the impact symptoms can have on working conditions, the guidance can help empower colleagues to discuss their own experiences, support each other, and know where to seek help if they need it.   

The Women@Reading Staff Network, which raised the need for this new guidance following feedback from its members, has worked with colleagues in HR, Occupational Health Services and from across the University to develop the new resource. 

Rachel Thorns, Chair of Women@Reading, said: “It is acknowledged that many women are not prepared for the menopause and find it difficult to cope with work alongside the symptoms they are experiencing, some of which can be challenging to manage. 

This makes it incredibly important that conversations about the menopause are normalised and that workplaces recognise and support those experiencing it. I am pleased the Network has been able to add to the support available to colleagues at Reading.” 

What is the menopause?

The menopause is a natural process experienced by most women towards the end of their reproductive life, typically occurring between the ages of 44-55 and is technically defined as when a woman has not had a period for more than 12 months. 

Early menopause can also affect much younger women, as a consequence of treatment for other health conditions such as cancer (known as medically induced menopause).  

Every woman’s experience of the menopause is different. With over 30 potential symptoms, some of the most commonly experienced include hot flushes and night sweats, sleeping problems, low energy, low mood and anxiety, low libido and sex drive and impaired memory and concentration, often referred to as “brain fog”. 

Further support

Alongside the guide there is also a Menopause Symptoms and Adjustments Checklist tool which individuals can use to identify symptoms they may be experiencing and what workplace adjustments may be helpful to them.  

The Women’s Network is hosting a Women’s Health Café today (18 October, 12:00-13:30 in the Library Café, Whiteknights campus) to support the launch of the guidance and answer questions staff may have. Copies of the guidance will be available at the Café.  

Useful resources on the menopause and women’s health topics can be found on the My Wellbeing webpage. The British Menopause Society also has a series of short videos covering different aspects of the menopause. 

Colleagues who would like to find out more about what the Women@Reading Network is doing or support its work can join the Network’s Microsoft Teams Channel.