How can Businesses Break the Silence on Menopause?
Author: Laura Shuckburgh, Menopause Coach
For too long, menopause has been a topic shrouded in silence, particularly in the workplace. As
women spend a significant portion of their lives at work, it’s critical for companies to recognise
the impact that menopause can have on employee wellbeing and performance.
With around 1 in 3 women in the workforce being over 50, the time has come to break the silence and create a supportive environment for those navigating menopause.
As a menopause coach, I see first-hand how acknowledging this natural phase of life not only shows empathy but also becomes a key business priority. Supporting women through menopause can enhance retention, productivity, and the overall workplace culture.
To build menopause-friendly workplaces, companies can focus on two key strategies: Training
and awareness for all employees and Coaching support for those affected.
- Training and Awareness
The first step to supporting women through menopause is ensuring that everyone within the
organisation is educated about the topic—not just women experiencing menopause but their
colleagues and managers as well. This can be done through comprehensive training programs
designed to raise awareness, debunk myths, and foster a culture of understanding and respect.
Why is training important?
Menopause is often misunderstood. Symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, anxiety, and
cognitive difficulties can be mistaken for other conditions leading to confusion or even
stigmatisation in the workplace. By offering training, companies can educate all employees
about the physiological and emotional aspects of menopause, normalising the conversation and
reducing the stigma surrounding it. Awareness is especially important for managers and HR
professionals, who need to understand how menopause might affect performance or behaviour
and how best to provide support.
What does training look like?
Training programs can take various forms, from online/in-house workshops and training
sessions to e-learning modules. These programs should cover the basics of what menopause
is, common symptoms/impacts and how it might affect work life. Importantly, they should also
offer guidance on how to have open, compassionate conversations with colleagues
experiencing menopause, ensuring that they feel supported at this time.
Another key component is educating about workplace accommodations, such as flexible
working hours, temperature control options, or providing quiet spaces to help manage
symptoms. Ensuring that all employees are aware of these measures creates an environment of
inclusivity.
- Coaching and Mentorship
In addition to broad-based training, providing personalised support in the form of menopause
coaching can be transformative for women navigating this life stage. Coaching offers a
confidential space where employees can discuss their experiences, explore coping strategies,
and build resilience in managing the challenges that menopause presents at work.
Why coaching works
Coaching is a powerful tool for addressing the unique physical and emotional challenges of
menopause. It goes beyond just addressing impacts—it equips women with the resources and
confidence to manage their careers during this phase. Many women feel isolated or anxious
about how menopause may affect their work performance. Coaching provides them with the
support to navigate these challenges without compromising their professional success.
For instance, a menopause coach can help employees identify triggers that exacerbate their
symptoms in the workplace and find practical ways to manage them. They might also focus on
developing communication strategies so women feel more empowered to discuss their needs
with colleagues and managers. Ultimately, having a coach to support women through
menopause can be one of the most effective ways to manage its impacts.
Group coaching and mentorship
In addition to one-on-one coaching, companies can offer group coaching or mentorship
programs that bring together women experiencing menopause. This creates a community where
individuals can share their experiences, learn from each other, and feel less isolated. These
groups can also act as a valuable feedback loop for the company, helping leadership better
understand the real needs of women in midlife and develop more targeted support policies.
Breaking the silence around menopause in the workplace is long overdue.
By offering training and raising awareness, organisations can ensure that all employees, not just those experiencing menopause, understand its impact and are equipped to provide support. Pairing this with
coaching services creates a holistic approach to supporting women in midlife, allowing them to
thrive personally and professionally. Through these initiatives, businesses not only enhance the
wellbeing of their workforce but also foster a culture of inclusivity, ensuring that talent isn’t lost to
a lack of understanding or support during this critical life stage.
It’s time to start the conversation and make menopause support a cornerstone of workplace
wellbeing—empowering women and strengthening the entire organisation in the process.
To learn more about how your company can implement menopause awareness and coaching, get in touch with us today. Our team is ready to help you create a more inclusive, supportive culture that ensures all employees can thrive.