Creating Supportive Workplaces

October marks Menopause Awareness Month — an important reminder that menopause is a natural phase of life, not a taboo topic. For too long, it has been surrounded by silence and misunderstanding, especially in the workplace.

Breaking the Silence

Menopause typically affects women between 45 and 55, but its symptoms can begin earlier and last for several years. Hot flushes, sleep disruption, brain fog, anxiety, and fatigue are just a few of the challenges that can impact wellbeing and performance at work. Despite this, many employees still feel uncomfortable discussing their experiences with colleagues or managers.

Why It Matters at Work

Statistics show that 60% of women report that the menopause has a negative impact on the workplace. Supporting menopause in the workplace isn’t just a wellbeing issue — it’s a business one. Women over 50 are the fastest-growing segment of the UK workforce. Without the right understanding and adjustments, organisations risk losing experienced, talented professionals at a time when their expertise is most valuable.

Building a Menopause-Friendly Culture

Providing education in the workplace helps reduce barriers and foster a more inclusive and open culture. 

Allowing women to feel happier and more engaged in the workplace has been shown to reduce sickness and improve employee retention. Creating an open, supportive culture starts with awareness and education. Employers can make a real difference by:

• Encouraging open conversations and reducing stigma.
• Training managers to recognise and support menopause-related needs.
• Reviewing workplace policies around flexibility, temperature control, and wellbeing.
• Offering access to health resources or Employee Assistance Programmes.

A Shared Responsibility

Menopause affects everyone — directly or indirectly. When workplaces make space for honest conversations and simple adjustments, they not only support individuals but foster inclusivity and long-term employee wellbeing.

We want to mention Louise Hughes who the Breathing Space Team met with recently.

Louise is a British Menopause Society Advanced Accredited Menopause specialist at CQC-registered NUYU menopause clinic, PLUS an Advanced Nurse Practitioner Women’s Health Specialist.

Louise has the knowledge and skills to provide bespoke, tailored packages of training sessions for businesses to educate and support both female and male colleagues.  

Louise has an informative 1 hour workshop (£250)  aimed at educated all colleagues – Menopause Matters: What Everyone Needs to Know.

Click on the link to contact Louise directly and she’s happy to tailor the workshop to your needs.

Louise also offers individual consultations if you would like to offer this to your colleagues as a wellbeing benefit.

60 minutes consultation includes – in depth history, assessment, discussion of symptoms, lifestyle advice, management plan, treatment options, HRT prescription.Individualised management plan. (£200).