The UK government’s menopause employment champion

Helen Tomlinson, the UK's first menopause employment champion, has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about menopause in the workplace. Despite significant progress in recent years, she highlights the ongoing need for education, understanding, and support to create menopause-friendly workplaces. Here are some key takeaways from her recent progress report.

Addressing the Menopause Taboo

Menopause remains a taboo topic for many women, especially in professional settings. Tomlinson notes that only 24% of women aged 40 to 60 report having a menopause policy at their workplace, leading one in six to consider leaving their job due to a lack of support. This underscores the importance of normalizing menopause discussions and breaking down stigmas surrounding it.

Employer Roundtables and Industry Leaders

Tomlinson has collaborated with the Minister for Disabled People, Health, and Work to release a progress report titled "Shattering the Silence about Menopause." They have also organized nationwide roundtables with key industry players such as Holland & Barrett, Tesco, Premier Inn, British Airways, and Rolls-Royce. These companies are setting a positive example by initiating conversations and implementing changes to support women experiencing menopause.

Tips for Employers

Tomlinson provides several actionable steps for employers aiming to support menopausal women in their organizations:

1. Education: Creating open conversations about menopause within teams can foster understanding and empathy. This dialogue helps women share their experiences and educates colleagues, especially men, on how menopause affects different women in different ways.

2. Adjustments: Understanding each woman's unique experience allows for tailored adjustments. This can range from providing access to healthcare professionals to flexible working options and even sanitary products in bathrooms for women dealing with irregular periods.

The Impact on Businesses

Tomlinson's initiatives have shown that supporting menopausal women can significantly boost morale, female progression, and overall business growth. She urges employers to visit the government's menopause resources hub for more guidance on creating supportive environments.

Conclusion

Tomlinson's efforts to raise awareness and create supportive work environments for menopausal women are helping to break down longstanding taboos. Her recommendations provide a blueprint for businesses to educate, adjust, and support their female employees, fostering a more inclusive and understanding professional world.