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Human Resources

Support for Managers

We know from research that those experiencing menopause-related problems find it difficult to disclose their symptoms to their line manager. In order to help everyone thrive through their Menopause, there is a range of support and resources available for managers. 

As a manager you do not need to be an expert but remain curious and be open to learning more about how menopause can affect colleagues' ability to perform in their roles.  

Anyone experiencing menopausal symptoms should be treated with the same support and understanding as if they had any other health issue. According to research, 77% of people do not realise their symptoms are related to the menopause and it often takes multiple trips to the doctor before periods or hormones are even discussed. 

The following statistics are then reflected in the workplace: 

  • 18% are taking at least eight weeks off work;
  • 21.2% avoid going for a promotion;
  • 18.2% reduce their hours; and
  • 12.1% resign

Sign up to the next Menopause Awareness for Managers session to find out how you can support your colleagues.

How to have supportive conversations

Common menopausal symptoms may amount to a disability. Employers may discriminate against an employee if they:

  • fail to make reasonable adjustments;
  • don’t assess whether there is any causative link between menopause and
  • the employee’s behaviour before taking action; and/or
  • make offhand comments relating to menopause, as these may amount to harassment.

 These guides will help you to:  

  • be confident about your role in managing and supporting colleagues with menopausal symptoms  
  • understand and reduce the barriers that could potentially prevent a colleague going through the menopause transition from performing and/or developing to their full potential  
  • identify appropriate workplace changes or adjustments to support team members and help them thrive at work  
  • foster an inclusive working environment in which everyone is treated fairly. 

Guidance for colleague discussions about the Menopause 

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Line Manager Support Guide 

Support with reasonable adjustments

Offering a member of staff who is struggling with their symptoms the opportunity to make some reasonable workplace adjustments, could make a huge difference. 

Manager's Support Reasonable Adjustments Guide

The Workplace Adjustment Toolkit provides more guidance on what workplace adjustments can be made, how to arrange, review and change them and signposts staff and managers to sources of information and guidance..

Menopause at Work film

Menopause at Work short film by Skillsbooster 

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Menopause Awareness for Managers Training

With a growing number of people going through the menopause transition experiencing symptoms so severe that they leave the workplace, it is vital that managers understand the impact that symptoms can have, and know how to support their colleagues. 

Menopause events 2024

Join the following events that have been arranged to help get everyone talking about the Menopause:

Menopause Awareness for all Staff on 22 October online 12pm to 1 pm.

Whether you are wondering what to expect from the Menopause, would like to understand more about your symptoms or simply where to access support, join Sussex’s Menopause Workplace Trainer to find out more. Please note that Lisette is not a medically trained professional. As with all our events, all genders are welcome to attend. . Please  first for this link to take you directly to there. 

 

Menopause Café in the Meeting House on 3 December from 12 pm to 2 pm.

. This café will be slightly different as I am delighted to share that Dr Laura Kounine, Senior Lecturer in Early Modern History, MAH, will join us to talk about the factors that contributed to the widespread belief in witchcraft and why women, in particular, were more likely to be accused and persecuted. Our usual café will follow on afterwards. Please come along for some or all of it and a mince pie or two!