View source for Social:Menopause in the workplace

'''Menopause in the workplace''' is a social and [[Social:Human resources|human resources]] campaigning issue  in which people work to raise awareness of the impact [[Medicine:Menopause|menopause]] symptoms can have on attendance and performance in the workplace.

== Activism ==
Campaigners, journalists, personnel professionals and academics draw upon published research <ref>{{Cite web|title=Advice on the menopause|url=http://www.fom.ac.uk/health-at-work-2/information-for-employers/dealing-with-health-problems-in-the-workplace/advice-on-the-menopause|access-date=2021-03-05|website=www.fom.ac.uk}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Menopause transition: effects on women's economic participation|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/menopause-transition-effects-on-womens-economic-participation|access-date=2021-03-05|website=GOV.UK|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web|date=2019-03-05|title=Menopause and the workplace|url=http://www.open.ac.uk/research/news/menopause-and-workplace|access-date=2021-03-06|website=Research at The Open University|language=en}}</ref> and lobby for support for workers via industrial trades unions  (including ACAS<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2019-10-18|title=Menopause at work|url=https://archive.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=6752|access-date=2021-03-05|website=archive.acas.org.uk}}</ref> TUC<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=osdjay|date=2019-04-24|title=Menopause at work|url=https://www.tuc.org.uk/menopause-work|access-date=2021-03-05|website=www.tuc.org.uk|language=en}}</ref> UCU<ref>{{Cite web|title=Supporting menopausal women at work|url=https://www.ucu.org.uk/media/9973/Supporting-menopausal-women-at-work---briefing/pdf/Supporting_menopausal_women_at_work.pdf|website=UCU}}</ref> UNISON<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|date=2019-06-18|title=The menopause – UNISON will get this covered|url=https://unison-scotland.org/the-menopause-unison-will-get-this-covered/|access-date=2021-03-14|website=UNISON Scotland|language=en-GB}}</ref> EIS,<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=EIS|title=Supporting Older Women in the Workplace|url=https://www.eis.org.uk/Content/images/equality/Gender/Supporting%20Older%20Women%20in%20the%20Workplace.pdf}}</ref> NASUTW<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|last=E&T|title=Managing the Menopause in the Workplace|url=https://www.nasuwt.org.uk/advice/equalities/under-represented-groups/women/managing-the-menopause-in-the-workplace.html|access-date=2021-10-23|website=www.nasuwt.org.uk}}</ref> ) and changes in legislation.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-18|title=Equality laws could be changed to protect women in menopause, says MP|url=http://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/aug/18/equality-laws-could-be-changed-to-protect-women-in-menopause-says-mp|access-date=2021-10-23|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref>  In the UK under the Equality Act 2010, menopause discrimination is covered by three of the protected characteristics: age, sex and disability discrimination.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Gender equality at every stage: a roadmap for change|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gender-equality-at-every-stage-a-roadmap-for-change|access-date=2021-10-23|website=GOV.UK|language=en}}</ref> A UK government cross-party equalities working group explored why workplaces were failing women going through the menopause <ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Has the menopause affected you at work- and how did your workplace support you? Share your experience with MPs - Committees - UK Parliament|url=https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/328/women-and-equalities-committee/news/157607/has-the-menopause-affected-you-at-work-and-how-did-your-workplace-support-you-share-your-experience-with-mps/|access-date=2021-10-23|website=committees.parliament.uk|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web|title=An invisible cohort: Why are workplaces failing women going through menopause? - Committees - UK Parliament|url=https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/328/women-and-equalities-committee/news/156760/an-invisible-cohort-why-are-workplaces-failing-women-going-through-menopause/|access-date=2021-10-23|website=committees.parliament.uk|language=en}}</ref>

==Background==
[[File:Decorative hand fans.jpg|alt=a variety of hand fans|thumb|Hand fans, which are useful for combating menopausal hot flushes]]
The average age for the menopause transition is 51.<ref name=":0" /> Women over the age of 50 are a growing demographic in the workforce.<ref name=":10" />  14 million working days are lost to menopause each year in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Papadatou|first=Aphrodite|date=2019-04-10|title=Menopause costs UK economy 14 million working days per year|url=https://www.hrreview.co.uk/hr-news/menopause-costs-uk-economy-14-million-working-days-per-year/115754|access-date=2021-08-07|website=HRreview|language=en-US}}</ref>  Around 900,000 women have left jobs in the UK because of menopause symptoms making continuing work impossible.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|date=2021-07-23|title=MPs to examine lack of support for working menopausal women|url=http://www.theguardian.com/global/2021/jul/23/mps-to-examine-lack-of-support-for-working-menopausal-women|access-date=2021-10-23|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Menopause and the workplace - Committees - UK Parliament|url=https://committees.parliament.uk/work/1416/menopause-and-the-workplace/|access-date=2021-10-23|website=committees.parliament.uk|language=en}}</ref>

A June 2023 study by the Mayo Clinic estimated an annual loss of $1.8 billion in the United States due to workdays missed as a result of menopause symptoms.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Faubion |first1=Stephanie S. |last2=Enders |first2=Felicity |last3=Hedges |first3=Mary S. |last4=Chaudhry |first4=Rajeev |last5=Kling |first5=Juliana M. |last6=Shufelt |first6=Chrisandra L. |last7=Saadedine |first7=Mariam |last8=Mara |first8=Kristin |last9=Griffin |first9=Joan M. |last10=Kapoor |first10=Ekta |date=2023-06-01 |title=Impact of Menopause Symptoms on Women in the Workplace |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002561962300112X |journal=Mayo Clinic Proceedings |volume=98 |issue=6 |pages=833–845 |doi=10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.02.025 |pmid=37115119 |issn=0025-6196}}</ref> This was one of the largest studies to date examining the impact of menopause symptoms on work outcomes. The research concluded there was a strong need to improve medical treatment for menopausal women and make the workplace environment more supportive to avoid such productivity losses.

Many women go through the menopause during their working lives, and workplace support is vital.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Jack|first1=Gavin|last2=Riach|first2=Kathleen|last3=Bariola|first3=Emily|last4=Pitts|first4=Marian|last5=Schapper|first5=Jan|last6=Sarrel|first6=Philip|date=March 2016|title=Menopause in the workplace: What employers should be doing|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26857886|journal=Maturitas|volume=85|pages=88–95|doi=10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.12.006|issn=1873-4111|pmid=26857886}}</ref><ref name=":1" />  Menopause is considered by many to be a private matter<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-08|title=A third of women hide menopause symptoms at work – report|url=http://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/mar/08/a-third-of-women-hide-menopause-symptoms-at-work-report|access-date=2021-03-08|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref> or ‘a women's issue'  or the 'last taboo'<ref>{{Cite web|title=Breaking the last taboo|url=https://www.cipd.co.uk/news-views/cipd-voice/issue-18/menopause-work|access-date=2021-03-05|website=CIPD|language=en}}</ref> subject in workplaces.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The menopause: the new protected characteristic?|url=https://www.lawscot.org.uk/members/journal/issues/vol-64-issue-06/the-menopause-the-new-protected-characteristic/|access-date=2021-03-14|website=Law Society of Scotland|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-17|title='My bosses were happy to destroy me' – the women forced out of work by menopause|url=http://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/aug/17/my-bosses-were-happy-to-destroy-me-the-women-forced-out-of-work-by-menopause|access-date=2021-08-22|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref> The TUC found that  many employers were unaware of the issues involved and not tackling problems in ways that helped workers. The impact of employers failing to make reasonable adjustments include loss of work days due to absence<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-04-10|title=Menopause at work - 14 million days lost a year|url=http://hrnews.co.uk/menopause-at-work-14-million-days-lost-a-year/|access-date=2021-03-06|website=HR News|language=en-US}}</ref> and women being disciplined on competency grounds for health issues.<ref name=":2" /> The number of UK employment tribunals concerning menopause is increasing<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-07|title=Menopause at centre of increasing number of UK employment tribunals|url=http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/aug/07/menopause-centre-increasing-number-uk-employment-tribunals|access-date=2021-08-07|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-01|title=Legal profession must be "more open about menopause"|url=https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/legal-profession-must-be-more-open-about-menopause|access-date=2021-10-23|website=Legal Futures|language=en-GB}}</ref>

A UK government report suggests that employers can make positive changes by "changing organisational cultures; compulsory equality and diversity training; providing specialist advice; tailored absence policies; flexible working patterns for mid-life women; and fairly low cost environmental changes" to cater for women's differing experiences.<ref name=":0" /> The CIPD have produced a range of guides for HR professionals and managers <ref>{{Cite web|title=The menopause at work: guidance for people professionals {{!}} CIPD guides|url=https://www.cipd.co.uk/knowledge/culture/well-being/menopause/people-professionals-guidance|access-date=2021-03-06|website=CIPD|language=en}}</ref>

There remains a research gap in evaluating the effectiveness of these interventions.

In the US, National Institute on Aging has conducted research exploring the impact of menopause on women's health and aging.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=Research explores the impact of menopause on women's health and aging |url=https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/research-explores-impact-menopause-womens-health-and-aging |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=National Institute on Aging |date=6 May 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Particular care has been taken to include in the research participants women from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, including African American, Chinese, Hispanic and Japanese. This has helped scientists identify racial and ethnic differences in women's experiences.<ref name=":11" />

== Workplace culture ==
The social acceptability of discussions of menopause vary across cultures. Menopause is an [[Philosophy:Intersectionality|intersectional]] issue of [[Biology:Sex|sex]] and age.

For many women it is experienced as a 'double or triple whammy' of home and workplace responsibilities coming as it does just at the time when their children are teenagers, their parents are elderly and they have just made it back from a career break. It may also come at the time of increased leadership and management responsibilities.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-02-24|title=It's Time to Start Talking About Menopause at Work|work=Harvard Business Review|url=https://hbr.org/2020/02/its-time-to-start-talking-about-menopause-at-work|access-date=2021-03-05|issn=0017-8012}}</ref> When women eligible for senior management roles leave work at the peak of their careers, there are compounding effects on the [[Social:Gender pay gap|gender pay-gap]] and the gender pension gap. Three out of five (59%) working women between the ages of 45 and 55 who are experiencing menopause symptoms say it has a negative impact on them at work <ref>{{Cite web|title=Majority of working women experiencing the menopause say it has a negative impact on them at work|url=https://www.cipd.co.uk/about/media/press/menopause-at-work|access-date=2021-03-05|website=CIPD|language=en}}</ref>

Menopause support may also be linked to mental health at work. A  2018 Radio 4 ''Woman's Hour'' poll that found that 48% of women experiencing the menopause reported that it had ‘a negative impact on their mental health and mood.'<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Atkinson|first1=Carol|last2=Carmichael|first2=Fiona|last3=Duberley|first3=Joanne|title=Menopause discrimination is a real thing – this is how employers can help|url=http://theconversation.com/menopause-discrimination-is-a-real-thing-this-is-how-employers-can-help-108641|access-date=2021-03-06|website=The Conversation|date=14 January 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Employers may not be aware that there are different cultural attitudes to menopause.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Menopause and Culture |url=https://wearenchc.nhs.uk/menopause-and-culture/ |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=Norfolk Community Health and Care |language=en-GB}}</ref> In the workplace menopause becomes an intersectional issue of supporting workers with regard to age, sex, disability and race.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Menopause |url=https://www.everydayhealth.com/menopause/what-experts-want-bipoc-women-to-know-about-menopause/ |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=EverydayHealth.com |language=en}}</ref>

As of yet, menopause is not a protected characteristic<ref name=":12" /> specified under the Equality Act 2010. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 provides for safe working, which extends to the working conditions when experiencing symptoms of menopause. Recently, there have been calls made for further legislation<ref name=":13" /> to require employers to put in place a workplace menopause policy to protect women going through the menopause against discrimination whilst at work.<ref>{{cite web |title=Menopause and the workplace: Inquiry |url=https://committees.parliament.uk/work/1416/menopause-and-the-workplace |publisher=UK Parliament |access-date=19 August 2022 |date=2021}} 18px Text was copied from this source, which is available under the [https://www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright-parliament/open-parliament-licence/  Open Parliament Licence v3.0]. © UK Parliament.</ref>

== Remote working ==
Some aspects of work place environments can make menopause symptoms worse, especially hot or poorly ventilated environments.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Work Temperature Wars|url=https://www.insulationexpress.co.uk/blog/news/work-temperature-wars/|access-date=2021-03-05|website=Insulation Express|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Oliver|first=Sharon|date=2020|title=How can air conditioning support menopausal women?|url=https://les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/the-hub/how-can-air-conditioning-support-menopausal-women|website=Mitsubishi Electrical}}</ref>

Menopause also impacts remote workers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many women who had previously worked in their employer's premises shifted to remote work<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Brewis |first=Jo |date=2020-06-06 |title=The health and socioeconomic impact on menopausal women of working from home |journal=Case Reports in Women's Health |volume=27|pages=e00229 |doi=10.1016/j.crwh.2020.e00229 |issn=2214-9112 |pmc=7292903|pmid=32551236}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| last=Woods |first=Alaana  |title=Supporting employees through menopause when working remotely |url=https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/supporting-employees-going-through-the-menopause-when-working-remotely/ | website=Personnel Today |date=2020-11-03}}</ref> While there are some elements of remote work which might be assumed to be better for menopausal women such as more control over the temperature and comfort of their home environments, there are multiple factors such as the responsibilities of home schooling and sharing limited space in the home which combined to shape working women's experiences of lockdown.

== Changes to the law ==
Caroline Nokes, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, said in 2021: "Three in every five women are negatively affected at work as a result of the menopause. The repercussions of that are not merely individual. Excluding menopausal women from the workplace is detrimental to our economy, our society and our place on the world stage. Despite the fact that hundreds of thousands of women in the UK are currently going through the menopause- a process that can be both physically and mentally draining- it is ignored in legislation. It is time to uncover and address this huge issue, which has been left near-invisible for far too long."<ref name=":9" />

In 2022 members of the UK government considered amending the 2010 Equality Act to include menopause as a protected characteristic. They also hoped to require employers to provide reasonable adjustments for employees experiencing menopause.<ref>{{Cite web |last=UK Parliament |date=28 July 2022 |title=New Report: MPs call for new Menopause Ambassador to keep women in the workplace |url=https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/328/women-and-equalities-committee/news/172500/new-report-mps-call-for-new-menopause-ambassador-to-keep-women-in-the-workplace/}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=UK Parliament |date=28 July 2022 |title=Menopause and the workplace – Report Summary |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5803/cmselect/cmwomeq/91/summary.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-07-28 |title=Working women need greater menopause rights - MPs |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/health-62323327 |access-date=2022-07-29}}</ref> As it stands, UK law fails to provide proper redress for women who are discriminated against in the workplace as a result of their menopausal status. There is also generally poor understanding of health and safety at work in this regard.  The authors of the report propose significant change to improve the working conditions for women and those who ultimately seek legal redress:<ref name=":10" /><blockquote>Our recommendations for employers are designed to ensure fewer women need legal redress. However, those who do need to rely on the law need, and deserve, a better safety net. We call on the Government to commence section 14 of the Equality Act 2010 to allow dual discrimination claims based on more than one protected characteristic. We also want the Government to urgently consult on making menopause a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.</blockquote>

== Menopause leave ==
The 2022 report from the UK Women and Equalities Committee  stimulated discussions about the possibility of employers establishing policies and support for 'menopause leave'.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-27 |title=MPs call for menopause to be protected characteristic in UK Equality Act |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jul/28/mps-call-for-menopause-to-be-protected-characteristic-in-uk-equality-act |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Workplace Menopause Leave: What it Looks Like and Why it Matters |url=https://www.mindsethealth.com/matter/workplace-menopause-leave |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=www.mindsethealth.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=White |first=Debbie |title=Give women menopausal leave to keep them in workplace, urge MPs |newspaper=The Times |language=en |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/give-women-menopausal-leave-to-keep-them-in-workplace-urge-mps-kr70xz62w |access-date=2022-07-29 |issn=0140-0460}}</ref>

== Types of work ==

=== Media and entertainment industry ===
There are a number of high-profile media professionals and journalists in the UK who have worked to raise awareness of menopause through sharing their own experiences publicly. These include Patsy Kensit, Davina McCall,  Jenni Murray,<ref>{{Cite book|last=Murray|first=Jenni |title=Is it me, or is it hot in here? A modern woman's guide to the menopause|date=2003 |publisher=Vermilion|isbn=0-09-188777-1|location=London|oclc=51741029}}</ref> Kirsty Wark,<ref>{{Cite news|date=2017-02-16|title=Kirsty Wark: 'Let's talk about the menopause'|language=en-GB |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-38905528|access-date=2021-03-06}}</ref> Jennifer Saunders,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-04-15|title='I just coped': Kirsty Wark on breaking the silence about menopause|url=http://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/apr/15/menopause-kirsty-wark-breaking-the-silence|access-date=2021-03-06|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> Bridget Christie<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-20|title=Comedian Bridget Christie: 'I see my flasher's penis all the time. But I can make horrible things amusing'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/oct/20/bridget-christie-flashers-penis-horrible-menopause-comedy-female-anger-comedian|access-date=2021-10-23|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref> and Jenny Eclair.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-28|title=Jenny Eclair: 'Menopause gave me incandescent rage. It was like a superpower'|url=http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/jun/28/jenny-eclair-menopause-gave-me-incandescent-rage-it-was-like-a-superpower|access-date=2021-03-06|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref>

=== Universities ===
Some higher education institutions <ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-16 |title=Breaking the silence about the menopause |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/features/breaking-silence-about-menopause |access-date=2021-03-06|website=Times Higher Education (THE)|language=en}}</ref>  have made changes to support their staff. These include [[Organization:University of Leicester|University of Leicester]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=pm357|title=BBC Sunday Politics - University of Leicester Menopause Policy — University of Leicester|url=https://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/business/news-and-events/bbc-sunday-politics-university-of-leicester-menopause-policy|access-date=2021-03-06|website=www2.le.ac.uk|language=en}}</ref> and [[Organization:University College London|University College London]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=UCL|date=2020-12-16|title=Menopause guidance|url=https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies/2021/feb/menopause-guidance|access-date=2021-03-06|website=UCL Human Resources|language=en}}</ref>

Academics who research in this area include: Jo Brewis,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-03-05|title=Menopause and the workplace|url=https://www.open.ac.uk/research/news/menopause-and-workplace|access-date=2021-10-23|website=Research at The Open University|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-06-18|title=Jo Brewis: How to start conversations around the menopause at work|url=https://employeebenefits.co.uk/issues/june-2018/jo-brewis-menopause-work/|access-date=2021-10-23|website=Employee Benefits|language=en-GB}}</ref> Belinda Staffan<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Steffan |first1=Belinda |last2=Potočnik |first2=Kristina |date=2023 |title=Let's talk about menopause and the need for better workplace support to manage the menopause symptoms |url=https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/publications/lets-talk-about-menopause-and-the-need-for-better-workplace-suppo |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Steffan |first1=Belinda |last2=Loretto |first2=Wendy |date=2022-12-05 |title="It's just so all-consuming": How menopause interacts with other gendered health issues at work |url=https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/publications/its-just-so-all-consuming-how-menopause-interacts-with-other-gend |language=English}}</ref>Wendy Loretto<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Steffan |first1=Belinda |last2=Loretto |first2=Wendy |date=2022-12-05 |title="A whole bag of things": The central yet undefined experience of menopause at work |url=https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/publications/a-whole-bag-of-things-the-central-yet-undefined-experience-of-men |journal=Gender, Work and Organization |language=English |issn=0968-6673}}</ref> and  Myra Hunter.

=== Teaching ===
Guidance for supporting teachers during menopause has been published by EIS<ref name=":6" /> NASUWT<ref name=":8" /> and NEU<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Menopause |url=https://neu.org.uk/menopause |access-date=2021-10-23 |website=NEU}}</ref>

=== Police forces ===
The Police in England and Wales have published National Menopause Guidance which is designed to help support and advise individuals, line managers, senior leaders and occupational health advisors <ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Police service set to welcome National Menopause Guidance|url=https://www.polfed.org/news/latest-news/2019/police-service-set-to-welcome-national-menopause-guidance/|access-date=2021-03-06|website=www.polfed.org|language=en-GB}}</ref> The national lead for Gender at the National Police Chiefs' Council, said: “I genuinely believe that the launch of this guidance is a huge step forward for policing.“The demographic of the police workforce across the UK is changing, with an increasing number of female colleagues, and an aging workforce in key front-line roles as well as other roles in our organisations. There are clear health and safety implications for women, their colleagues, and the general public, if we do not support, understand and deal with menopause issues properly.<ref name=":3" /> Support is also available for members of  Police Federation Scotland<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hamilton|first=David|date=2017-12-15|title=Menopause Awareness Training|url=https://spf.org.uk/menopause-awareness-training/|access-date=2021-03-06|website=Scottish Police Federation|language=en-GB}}</ref>  and Police Federation of Northern Ireland<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Menopause|url=https://www.policefed-ni.org.uk/members/services/the-menopause|access-date=2021-03-06|website=Police Federation NI|language=en}}</ref>

=== NHS ===
The NHS recognise that 'with our population now living longer, working longer, and with so many women working in the NHS, it's vital that staff are supported to stay well and thrive in the workplace'.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Menopause in the workplace|url=http://www.nhsemployers.org/retention%20and%20staff%20experience/health%20and%20wellbeing/taking%20a%20targeted%20approach/taking%20a%20targeted%20approach/menopause%20in%20the%20workplace|access-date=2021-03-05|website=www.nhsemployers.org|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=NHSGGC : Menopause Policy|url=https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/working-with-us/hr-connect/policies-and-staff-governance/policies/menopause-policy/|access-date=2021-03-14|website=www.nhsggc.org.uk}}</ref> The BMA  argue that employers should take a pro-active approach to an inclusive workplace.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Challenging the culture on menopause for working doctors report|url=https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/nhs-delivery-and-workforce/workforce/challenging-the-culture-on-menopause-for-working-doctors-report|access-date=2021-03-14|website=The British Medical Association is the trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK.|language=en-gb}}</ref>

=== Politics ===
British MPs have pushed for clear workplace policies to protect women going through the menopause.  Rachel Maclean said "My central message is: menopause is the last taboo because it is still hidden and it only affects women and it only affects older women. It's ageism, it's sexism, all rolled into one."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-08-25|title=Workplaces must protect women going through menopause, say MPs|url=http://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/aug/25/mandatory-workplace-menopause-policies-uk|access-date=2021-03-06|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref> Other women who have spoken about their experiences include Carolyn Harris,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-18|title='We have to better support women': MP leading the fight on menopause|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/oct/18/we-have-to-better-support-women-mp-carolyn-harris-leading-fight-on-menopause|access-date=2021-10-23|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref>   Julie Marson<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Swansea MP urges menopause 'revolution' to give women the support they deserve|url=https://www.thenational.wales/news/19664852.mps-say-menopause-revolution-needed/|access-date=2021-10-23|website=The National Wales|language=en}}</ref> Maria Caulfield<ref name=":5" /> Caroline Nokes.<ref>{{Cite web|title=MPs to hold a general debate on World Menopause Month - Committees - UK Parliament|url=https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/202/backbench-business-committee/news/158089/mps-to-hold-a-general-debate-on-world-menopause-month/|access-date=2021-10-23|website=committees.parliament.uk|language=en}}</ref> Dawn Butler, in her role as Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary, announced the Labour Party's commitment to introduce a menopause workplace policy including providing and ensuring flexible working policies and absence procedures that cater for women experiencing the menopause.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Labour announces plans to break the stigma of the menopause at work |url=https://labour.org.uk/press/labour-announces-plans-break-stigma-menopause-work/ |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=The Labour Party |language=en}}</ref> This menopause workplace policy was included in the Labour Party's 2019 Manifesto.<ref>{{Cite web |title=It's time for real change |url=https://labour.org.uk/manifesto-2019/ |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=The Labour Party |language=en}}</ref>

=== Legal ===
The Law Society issued guidance  for women experiencing menopause in the legal profession <ref>{{Cite web|last=says|first=Louise|date=2021-06-16|title=QC: Menopause "made me feel I was losing my mind"|url=https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/qc-menopause-made-me-feel-i-was-losing-my-mind|access-date=2021-10-23|website=Legal Futures|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Experiencing menopause in the legal profession|url=https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/women-lawyers/experiencing-menopause-in-the-legal-profession|access-date=2021-10-23|website=www.lawsociety.org.uk|language=en}}</ref> and guidance for judges receiving evidence from women.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Baksi2021-02-24T15:49:00+00:00|first=Catherine|title=Judges reminded to be aware of menopause symptoms|url=https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/practice/judges-reminded-to-be-aware-of-menopause-symptoms/5107551.article|access-date=2021-10-23|website=Law Gazette|language=en}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Human resource management]]

{{Sourceattribution|Menopause in the workplace}}