🌸 Supporting Employees Through Menopause: A Year-Round Business Imperative 🌸
- Lansbury HR
- Oct 17, 2025
- 2 min read
What is it all about?
While World Menopause Awareness Month provides a timely reminder, the reality is that the menopause is a major, year-round workforce issue. With women over 50 being the fastest-growing demographic and 51 being the average age for menopause onset, this is no longer a niche topic. Research from the CIPD highlights a massive impact: nearly two-thirds of affected women aged 40–60 report a negative effect on their work, including being less able to concentrate (79%) and experiencing more stress (68%). Furthermore, over half (53%) have taken time off, and shockingly, one in ten women have left their jobs entirely due to the impact of their symptoms.
What this means for you?
Is significant legal and commercial risk. Menopause symptoms can be severe enough to fall under the definition of a "disability" in the Equality Act 2010 (EqA), triggering a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments. Failure to provide support, whether the symptoms meet this legal threshold or not, leaves the business vulnerable to claims under the EqA for sex, age, and/or disability discrimination. Beyond legal exposure, ignoring this issue translates directly into high staff turnover (losing experienced talent), reduced productivity, and increased absence levels due to symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, and hot flushes.
Our advice to you:
Proactive, tailored support is the most effective solution.
Action 1: Develop a Menopause at Work Policy. This policy must detail available support, commitment to dignity, and the process for employees to request assistance.
Action 2: Make Practical and Environmental Adjustments. Simple steps like providing desk fans, ensuring easy access to toilets, and offering temporary flexible working arrangements can help manage acute symptoms.
Action 3: Foster Dialogue. Don't guess—speak to employees who have personally experienced menopause within your organisation to gather ideas and tailor the support offered, boosting engagement, loyalty, and long-term productivity.
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