Women’s Health and Menopause at Work
Women's health in the workplace is a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of ensuring an inclusive and supportive work environment. One of the significant phases in a woman's life that deserves special attention is menopause. In this blog post, we delve into the challenges women face at work during menopause and emphasise the need for increased support and understanding.
Understanding Menopause
Menopause, a natural phase in a woman's life marks the cessation of menstrual periods and is associated with hormonal changes. While it is a normal part of life, the impact of menopause on a woman's work life is profound.
Challenges Women Face at Work During Menopause
Symptoms and Productivity: Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances can significantly affect job performance and productivity. According to research, over 40% of women report that their job has been affected by menopause.
Mental Health: Menopause often takes an emotional toll, leading to anxiety and depression in some cases. The psychological aspects of navigating menopause at work are an additional challenge.
Silence and Stigma: A concerning issue is the silence and stigma surrounding menopause. Many women may not openly discuss their symptoms or seek support due to fear of judgment or discomfort.
Statistics on Menopause at Work
Here are some notable statistics that highlight the impact of menopause on women in the workplace from the Menopause and the Workplace report by the Fawcett Society and Channel 4:
More than 2 in 5 women say their job has been affected by menopause symptoms.
1 in 10 women has considered quitting their job due to menopausal symptoms.
Over 30% of women feel that their employer does not provide sufficient support for menopausal symptoms.
The Need for Increased Support
Empowering women in the workplace during menopause is not just a matter of compassion but also a matter of productivity and overall job satisfaction. Commenting on the Menopause and Workplace report, Janet Lindsay, CEO of Wellbeing of Women, said it showed that thousands of women were passing up promotions, reducing their hours or giving up their jobs because of the menopause. According to Lindsay, “Women over the age of 50 are the fastest growing demographic in the workplace and more support should be offered to ensure they remain in work because women around this age are usually at their most productive and experienced during this life stage.”
Here are some essential steps that can be taken to offer more support:
Creating a Supportive Environment: Employers and HR professionals can play a pivotal role in creating a supportive work environment. Offering flexible work arrangements, temperature control, and access to wellness programs can significantly improve the experience for women going through menopause.
Open Communication: Encouraging open communication is crucial. Fostering a stigma-free environment where women feel comfortable discussing their needs is a key step in providing support.
Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about menopause in the workplace is essential. Education can help employees, both women and men, understand what women are going through and how they can be supportive.
What can Women do to Support Themselves:
According to expert on women’s health Dr. Elizabeth Boham, there’s a lot women can do to support themselves. Even just 15 minutes of meditation twice a day can significantly cut back the amount of hot flashes a woman has.
Meditate
Practice self-care, self-compassion and prioritise your needs
Value yourself and never forget how important you are. Start a regular practice to cultivate self-love and worthiness whether it’s through journaling, meditation, massages, anything that helps you connect to your sense of worth on a regular basis
Cut out or reduce alcohol and sugar
Prioritise sleep
Prioritise positive self talk and self-love. “The very best way you can help yourself is to develop and sustain a positive attidude. The way you think and feel about everything will make all the difference to your experience.” – Caroline Carr points out in Menopause: The Guide for Real Women
Eat a nutritious and balanced diet, cut out processed food
Give yourself adequate rest and manage stress using stress management tools like going for walks, baths with epsom salts, kind and loving self talk, starting a gratitude practice, breath-work, meditation
Stay connected to your community and loved ones
Regular exercise including strength training
“I see menopause as the start of the next fabulous phase of life as a women. Now is a time to ‘tune in’ to our bodies and embrace this new chapter. If anything, I feel more myself and love my body more now, at 58 years old, than ever before.” – Kim Cattrall
“So many women I’ve talked to see menopause as an ending. But I’ve discovered this is your moment to reinvent yourself after years of focusing on the needs of everyone else. It’s your opportunity to get clear about what matters to you and then pursue that with all of your energy, time and talent.” – Oprah
Conclusion
Women's health, especially during menopause, is a topic that deserves more attention and understanding especially when it comes to the work place. By acknowledging the challenges women face and taking steps to create a more supportive environment, we can empower women to navigate menopause with greater ease and comfort in both their professional and personal lives. It's not just about women's health; it's about creating inclusive and compassionate workplaces that benefit everyone.
At Wondersource, we’re thrilled to offer employees support to heal and live healthier, lower their mental and physical health risks, manage stress and perform their best at work. Our Body series offered in an online class format covers everything from gut health to inflammation to sleep and hormonal imbalances. We also offer one off workshops on menopause and hormonal imbalances and so much more. If you’re looking for a new way to support your employees, we’d love to hear from you. Click the link above to book in some time with a member of our team or email us at hello@wondersource.co.
#womenshealth #holistichealthcare #mentalfitness #menopause #hormonalimbalances #workplacewellness #workplacewellbeing