Information and resources for employers
The menopause is a natural stage of life which affects around half of the population. This guidance from Acas covers what employers can do to support staff who are going through or experiencing the effects of the menopause. See further resources and websites below.
Case study - Dee Coxon
Dee Coxon writes about her experience of the menopause, as a self-employed hairdresser and beauty therapist. Coxon experienced symptoms that were "debilitating" and "distressing", but used the experience as a catalyst for change in her life and career. Read Dee's story.
Case study - Yorkshire Water
Yorkshire Water took part in pilot study to explore ways in which employers could support women in menopause transition. A Menopause Support Group was set up, which now has 50 members. The group has written its own policy around the menopause at work, signed off by all stakeholders. Read the Yorkshire Water case study.
Case study - Joseph Rowntree Foundation/Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust
In 2017, a number of women approached the Joseph Rowntree Foundation/Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust's Head of Diversity and Inclusion, expressing their need to feel more understood and supported at work by their line managers and colleagues when they were experiencing menopause symptoms. Research was undertaken and guidance created for managers and staff, and a Menopause Support Group was set up. Read the Joseph Rowntree Foundation/Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust case study.
The rise of menopause in the workplace support
"Menopause is nothing new. Indeed, it’s a natural part of a woman’s life as she transitions from one phase to the next and her balance of hormones changes. But what is new – thankfully – is the increasing focus that many employers are placing on menopause in the workplace awareness and support." Read the SOM guest blog by Deborah Garlick, Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace.
Menopause and the Workplace: How to enable fulfilling working lives - UK Government Response to the independent report here.
BOHRF - Work and the Menopause: A Guide for Managers
Download the British Occupational Health Research Foundation (BOHRF) guide for managers here.
TUC - Supporting women through the menopause: Guidance for Union representatives
This guidance document includes the section 'What can employers do?' (pg.8-9). Download it here.
The Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) - Guidance on menopause and the workplace
Includes guidance for managers/employers, and guidance for women. Download here.
Business in the Community (BITC) - The business case for reporting your gender pay gap
The benefits of reporting and closing your gender pay gap for business, the economy and society. Download here.
Department for Education - The effects of menopause transition on women's economic participation in the UK
This 2017 research report contains information for employers, including 'How can employers better support women experiencing the menopause transition?' (pg.49-61). Download here.
Acas menopause at work guidance
See top of page. Factsheet for managers here. Menopause at work infographic available here, stats/facts here.
NHS Menopause-related absence
NHS England and NHS Improvement has developed guidance on recording menopause-related sickness absence on the NHS electronic staff record. It is now possible to enter a menopause-related reason against a sickness absence record. 'By recording accurately, organisations can gain a better understanding of the impact menopause is having on their colleagues and put in place the necessary support,' it says. NHS Employers has a dedicated web page on menopause and work, which includes a link to the guidance on recording menopause-related absences here.