5 elements for an effective workplace menopause initiative

Most organisations will introduce a menopause initiative in 2022. I encourage you to think about what you can include in yours to demonstrate that you’re a forward thinking organisation, who is genuinely committed to the wellbeing of all their employees.

Here are 5 elements I offer for your consideration:

• Awareness sessions

They help everyone understand the impact of menopause symptoms and empower all colleagues to feel able to talk about it after the sessions are over. They also ensure those going through it are being treated fairly, with dignity, and respect.

• Line manager training sessions on the topic of menopause

When managers support employee well-being, employees are more likely to be happy at work. And happy employees don’t want to leave their workplace! Organisations must equip managers to be part of the solution by first raising awareness on the challenges employees face within the workplace.

This can be done by providing managers with specific training on how to spot menopause symptoms and how to carry out sensitive and empathetic conversations with these employees who are suffering from menopause, without feeling embarrassed.

• Specific menopause policies/ guides

They show commitment from the business to support employees, signpost towards support available and provide a framework for managers to apply consistently.

• 1:1 Coaching for your mid-senior female employees whose menopause symptoms are negatively impacting their performance and productivity at work.

This is focused support for female employees who need to get back to their top performance level asap. It shows your support for your female talent progression, helps with closing the gender leadership and pay gap and offers your organisation a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining highly skilled and experienced talent.

• Surveys with a specific focus on menopause

Surveys measure your return on the initiatives you’ve already implemented, informs your next steps and helps you focus on the solutions your employees actually benefit from.

Irrespective of what you choose to include in your menopause initiative, in order for it to be impactful and make a difference, it must be supported by an environment where everyone can talk about menopause, irrespective of age or gender. The ultimate goal is for everyone to be able to speak comfortably and without embarrassment about menopause, just like we speak about pregnancy and maternity.