Menopause Matters: A New Workplace Initiative

In January 2024, Martin Searle Solicitors’ Employment Law Team is set to launch “Menopause Matters,” a campaign aimed at eradicating menopause discrimination in the workplace. The initiative will focus on advising employers on best practices to support employees going through menopause, while also assisting menopausal employees facing inadequate support or discrimination.

The Need for Menopause Awareness in Workplaces

Despite menopause not being specifically identified as a form of discrimination under the Equality Act, the employment team has noted a rise in cases where employees suffer disability, age, or sex discrimination due to menopausal symptoms. Sadly, many workplaces lack a supportive infrastructure for menopausal staff, with reports indicating that 80% of women feel their employers lack a menopause policy or training. The absence of support has led to drastic outcomes, including 10% of menopausal women leaving their jobs due to the impact of their symptoms.

What Can "Menopause Matters" Do?

The "Menopause Matters" campaign aims to be a beacon of change. By educating employers on creating supportive environments and equipping employees with the knowledge to seek aid, the initiative seeks to create workplaces where menopause is not a taboo or a career impediment but a natural aspect of life met with understanding and support.

Final Thoughts

The call is clear: workplaces need to evolve, integrating policies and attitudes that recognize the physical and mental changes women undergo during menopause. Such changes not only benefit the employees directly affected but foster a more inclusive, empathetic, and productive working environment for all.