Menopause in the Workplace with Meredith Brown (HHR EP032)

"First of all, I would say, as an employer, this isn't something that you can ignore. Not only is supporting women as they go through menopause the right thing to do, it makes good business sense and has many positive benefits." -Meredith Brown

SUMMARY (AI ASSISTED)

Menopause, a natural life transition experienced by over half of the population, often goes unnoticed and unsupported in the workplace. However, the impact it has on women's well-being and performance is significant. In this episode, Meredith Brown, an equity diversity inclusion specialist and menopause trainer, sheds light on this important topic. With over 20 years of experience, Brown shares her insights and discusses the reasons why focusing on menopause in the workplace is crucial.

The Importance of Menopause Awareness

As women are staying in the workforce longer and returning after periods of absence, it is essential to recognize that menopausal women constitute the fastest-growing demographic. Shockingly, over 80% of menopausal women report that their symptoms negatively affect their ability to work effectively. Moreover, the lack of support often leads talented women to leave their jobs. Suzanne, an advocate for menopause awareness on LinkedIn, emphasizes that women's talents and skills do not diminish during this phase. However, they require some support to continue thriving professionally.

Benefits of Supporting Menopausal Workers

Both employers and employees stand to gain from investing resources in supporting menopausal workers. For employers, doing so promotes employee engagement and performance. When women receive the necessary support to manage their symptoms, their overall well-being improves, and they can continue contributing their expertise. By implementing simple, low-cost adjustments to the work environment, organizations can retain experienced staff and maintain gender diversity at senior levels. Furthermore, supporting menopausal workers can enhance attraction for potential candidates who seek employers committed to fostering inclusivity.

Understanding Menopausal Symptoms

Menopause is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, including physical and psychological challenges. Nearly 75% of women experience symptoms, with 25% facing debilitating symptoms on a daily basis. The commonly discussed symptoms in the workplace include hot flushes, brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, and poor concentration. While lifestyle changes and medical interventions like hormone replacement therapy can alleviate symptoms, creating a menopause-friendly environment is equally crucial.

Creating Menopause-Conscious Workspaces

To foster supportive environments for menopausal workers, organizations need to nurture an open dialogue around menopause and break the stigma. By raising awareness and fostering understanding, employees can feel safe and comfortable discussing their experiences. Employers can implement adjustments such as temperature control, flexible work arrangements, access to natural light and fresh air, and wellness programs addressing menopause-related challenges.

The Power of Education and Communication

Education plays a vital role in creating a menopause-inclusive workplace. By equipping employees with the knowledge and language surrounding menopause, organizations empower everyone to partake in the conversation. Additionally, reaching out to external resources, such as menopause trainers and specialists like Meredith Brown, can provide organizations with valuable insights and support in implementing effective strategies.

Acknowledging and addressing menopause in the workplace is a crucial step towards creating supportive environments for menopausal workers. Organizations can benefit from increased engagement and performance, while employees can overcome the challenges associated with this natural life transition. By fostering awareness, dialogue, and education surrounding menopause, companies can ensure that talented women receive the support they need to continue thriving in their careers. Let's break the silence, uplift women, and build menopause-inclusive workplaces.

GUEST BIO

Meredith is an equity, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) specialist and menopause trainer with over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors. With a deep understanding of menopause she co-founded Menopause 51 which works with organizations to open up the dialogue around menopause and foster menopause confident and inclusive work places. Meredith has been invited to sit on panels and speak at events to share her knowledge of menopause in the workplace, the impact it can have on performance and highlight good practice for supporting the physical and mental health of women during this time.

GUEST LINKS

Guest Socials:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/menopause-51/ 

Guest Website: https://www.menopause51.com 

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