“Women having to leave the workplace because of the menopause is tragic.
Sophie Countess of Wessex
We are fabulous in our 40s, and we are even more fabulous in our 50s, 60s and 70s and we need to celebrate that and keep opportunities going for women.”
Hello Ladies
As you read this some of you will be getting on at work as usual while others may be struggling with the ‘dreaded menopause’ and the impact of it on how you feel and perform while at work. This piece is written to be helpful with the second group in mind.
Some Facts about Menopause and Work
Research has indicated that about 45% of women consider retirement or taking an extended break from work when going through menopause. As it is considered a normal life event for women, menopause is not considered to be an illness or medical condition which often means that the symptoms are often under recognised, undervalued and not taken seriously, especially in the workplace.
Menopause is a gender and age-equity issue and remains one of the last ‘unspoken’ issues in workplaces. Many women fear discrimination and a lack of understanding and support from their workplaces as major concerns.
Workplace policies around menopause are rare and typically only found in Australia and the UK but not across the board. Don’t forget that symptoms may also occur due to interventions such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or some medications.
The most commonly reported challenges that menopausal women experience at work include: poor concentration and memory, fatigue, feeling sad or depressed and loss of confidence. Overwhelming hot flushes while at work have also been linked to women making the decision to leave the workforce. For around 80% of women these can last for up to 2 years, which can be a long time in the workplace.
Also, we can’t overlook ‘brain fog’. While it is not a medical term, it’s how most people who experience memory or cognitive changes describe what happens to them. This can cause a loss of focus, being easily distracted, losing things, procrastination, and difficulty with time management. Other symptoms include problems in thinking clearly, making good decisions and functioning well mentally. Research shows that around 35% of menopausal women suffer from ‘brain fog’ which is a significant portion of the female workforce.
Impact on Organisations
Menopausal symptoms can contribute to women deciding to leave their jobs early, or not putting their hands up for promotion or important projects. This can adversely affect the diversity of teams within the organisation and possibly open them up to allegations of discrimination.
Most women spend nearly one third of their life postmenopausal and the retirement age is increasing, yet older women are far more active both physically and mentally than they were in the past. Given that menopause symptoms last far longer than most people realise or anticipate, if the organisation does not support senior women who then decide to leave, this can have a negative impact on the organisation as many years of valuable and significant experience and knowledge may be lost.
Employer Responsibilities
You need to be aware that employers have a legal duty to provide a safe and supportive working environment for all employees. This includes supporting women going through menopause or perimenopause and not doing this can lead to a legal risk of discrimination. So, employers really cannot afford to ignore menopause in the workplace due to their social and legal requirements for employee welfare and to ensure inclusivity and equity, retain top talent and protect the business bottom line.
My Experiences
I was one of the relatively lucky ones and the worst symptoms I experienced were severe hot flushes, when from time to time during the day my face and body were enveloped in a raging heat resulting in extensive sweating and a very wet and shiny face. Two experiences when it occurred while I was at work stand out.
Firstly, I was with a colleague presenting a workshop at a prestige Adelaide Hills venue to a group of high-flying corporate women. As I was at the front expounding with great wisdom, my colleague whispered to me “Jacky, your face is all wet!” I grabbed a handful of tissues and ducked behind the white board (this was pre-PowerPoint days fortunately) and hastily mopped my dripping face. My colleague briefly filled in for me until I was able to resume. At the time I found this very embarrassing while overlooking the fact that the audience was all women who would surely have understood.
The second situation I was at a marketing meeting with a former colleague when I felt the familiar hot flush rolling over me and realised that my male companion was staring at me weirdly. I hastily excused myself and rushed to the ladies toilet, observing my dripping face in the mirror. I once again mopped up and, on the way, back to the table grabbed a cold drink then sat down as if nothing had happened, although he did continue staring at me weirdly. I was quite mortified by this and, whether it was the case or not, felt that he never quite looked at me the same again.
Ideally, I should have laughed off both occasions while saying “don’t worry, it’s only the menopause” yet I did not feel comfortable to do so at the time. I must say life was much easier when the dreadful hot flushes had passed! I empathise with those of you who are experiencing something similar.
Tips to help you manage Menopause at work.
Menopausal women are the fastest growing demographic in the workforce, so it is important now more than ever to be able to speak openly about your symptoms at work and ask for assistance. However, you may need to develop the confidence to do so.
If you feel able to do so, the first step is to talk to your line manager. While this might be embarrassing at the time, being honest about your symptoms and asking for help is an important first step. If your symptoms make you feel too unwell to go to work and you need to take time off, take sick leave in the usual way. This will be facilitated if you have already spoken to your manager.
You could consider flexible working hours if permitted, such as changing your working schedules or working from home. If you have supportive work colleagues talk about your experiences with them so as to not feel that you are alone. It is also beneficial to negotiate more regular breaks if this is an option and also to allow yourself more time to prepare for meetings, appointments, or presentations.
If you wear a constricting uniform, consider asking for permission to wear clothes that are looser and cooler. In addition, if you are suffering frequent hot flushes request a move to a cooler part of the office or ask for or bring in a fan to put on or near your desk.
If you are feeling cranky and irritable at work, which are common emotional symptoms of menopause engage in some relaxation strategies such as deep breathing, positive visualisation and focusing on a pleasant memory. Alternatively, talk to an understanding colleague who knows what you’re going through. If this happens with increasing frequency, consider going and speaking to your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counsellor for some tips on reducing the stress you are experiencing. If you have increasing anxiety about the symptoms, you are experiencing while at work and feel that the EAP is not meeting your needs, seek professional help from a reputable psychologist.
Ask that the organisation considers providing some education on the impact of menopause on those going through it. Additionally, request that some coaching be provided to women experiencing symptoms to assist them to develop the confidence to speak up and ask for assistance. Get together with like-minded employees who are experiencing symptoms of menopause and come up with a range of recommendations to management that may make your collective working life easier.
Other things that you can request to be implemented within the organisation are to set up a ‘buddy system’ or peer support for those experiencing disturbing symptoms of menopause. It is important to normalise menopause and emphasise the fact that it will not last forever.
As a woman you are expected to perform at a high level at work and at home. Find ways to redistribute your tasks to consider the extra load that you as a woman may take on outside of the workplace. This can add to your stress within the workplace when you are experiencing symptoms of menopause. If some of you are really struggling, your recommendations may include restructuring some positions if this is at all possible to relieve the strain on those who are really finding it difficult to perform their current job.
To wind up ladies, most important is for you to realise that you are not alone on this journey. Work on developing the confidence to speak up about any difficulties you are experiencing and ask for assistance from your employer or colleagues. No need to feel embarrassed or self-conscious that you are experiencing a very normal stage of life. You deserve to be respected and applauded for being there.
Getting older is a privilege and a time for us to feel proud of our cumulative experiences.
Naomi Watts, Actor
– to feel empowered, and unapologetically so.
I think being part of a change-maker generation is exciting. No more walking through this alone.
I have previously been a patient of Jacky Dakin. Jacky gave me the tools I needed to get through my anxiety in particular, and many other things that I needed direction and support with. We all need a Jacky in our life, is what I have said to many of my girlfriends and colleagues. This is why when she said yes to being involved, I was ecstatic to have her voice and experience shared with you on this important topic, and to raise awareness about the Meno change. You can see the professionals I have engaged with on my journey at the Meno reference page here.
