Working better with the menopause

There are approximately 5.87 million women of peri-menopausal or menopausal age currently working in the UK. With around 15.7 million working women in the UK aged between 16 and 60, this in turn means that over 35% of the current female workforce could be experiencing one or more symptoms of the menopause whilst continuing to work. It’s also believed that around 18% of those are considering leaving their roles due to lack of support from their employer.

Just let that sink in for a moment. The menopause can cause a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms that can last for several years, including hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety, sleep deprivation, memory loss and much more.

In a recent survey conducted by music licensing company PPL PRS, out of 500 menopausal women, it was reported that only around 26% of the people surveyed feel supported by their employer during the menopause. And over 90% of those surveyed had experienced at least one physical or mental symptom. However, over 40% of those have not tried to source any relief from those symptoms.

PPL PRS also found there are 75,000 internet searches a month for ‘menopause symptoms’, while only 5,000 users search for ‘menopause relief ’. The research shows that the majority of women who are experiencing any kind of menopause symptoms are probably continuing to suffer in silence, and are not receiving the support or treatment they need to help them manage this time of their life.

The team at PPL PRS have chosen to sign the Wellbeing of Women Workplace Pledge to confirm their commitment to supporting their colleagues who are experiencing any signs of menopause.

By signing the Menopause Workplace Pledge, PPL PRS commits to: ◆ Recognising that menopause can be an issue in the workplace and that women need support ◆ Talking openly, positively, and respectfully about the menopause ◆ Actively supporting and informing our employees affected by the menopause

So far, over 1,700 UK businesses have signed up to the pledge, but there needs to be more awareness and education for business leaders to equip them with the knowledge they need in order to provide the support that this survey shows is obviously lacking for many women. We asked Managing Director Andrea Gray how PPL PRS is providing this kind of equity in the workplace.

Andrea Gray: Approximately 20% of our female employees are over the age of 45, and as we returned to the office after the pandemic, we started to look at ways we could support anyone who may be suffering or unsure if their symptoms were due to the menopause. We also wanted to offer support to the wider business, to help them understand how to help their colleagues during this time, and possibly also their own family members who could be experiencing symptoms but not sharing this with their partners or children. Around 18% of peri-menopausal or menopausal age UK women who are currently employed are considering leaving their roles due to lack of support from their employer, according to Elektra Health. As a business that prides itself on being diverse and inclusive, we became aware that a number of our employees may have been experiencing menopausal symptoms without the necessary support in place.

We began with a short drop-in session, which led to the implementation of a Workplace Menopause Policy that ensures anyone experiencing symptoms is treated fairly, with respect and supported in line with the policy. The policy includes flexible working, adjusted working conditions and, most importantly, it allowed the business to be able to record sickness absence as menopauserelated, which would then enable line managers to provide more support where it was needed and encourage the employee to seek medical help where necessary. We’ve also provided care packages that are placed in accessible lockers throughout the building, close to bathroom

areas. These care packages included new underwear, replacement clothing in various sizes, freshening wipes and sanitary products. In our recent survey, we found that only 3.5% of businesses that do offer support provide care packages, and these items can be vital for someone who is at work and experiencing unusually heavy periods. More recently, we have created our own Menopause and Periods Hub, where our employees can access a wealth of support and information.

Only 40% of the women we surveyed have sought relief from their symptoms. When we think of that relief, we immediately think of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), vitamins and herbal remedies, and in some extreme cases, surgery. However, were you aware that music can have a positive effect on some of the symptoms? Music can help ease stress and anxiety, bringing a sense of calm and relaxation. It can also help with concentration. Many menopause sufferers complain that their memory and concentration are severely affected and they get ‘brain fog’. Music has been proven to aid with this. We all have our favourite tracks, ones which bring back memories of wonderful holidays or events, reminds us of loved ones, or can simply put a smile on our faces and get our feet tapping. Dancing and exercise is a great way to ease some of both the physical and mental symptoms of menopause, and what better way to feel good than dancing around the kitchen to our favourite songs, with our brains producing dopamine and serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ chemicals, and lifting our spirits. Not sure what to play? There are a huge number of ‘Menopause Playlists’ to choose from on Spotify if you are looking for some inspiration.

Being inclusive is absolutely vital to us here at PPL PRS, and the Workplace Pledge recognises this. We use the terms ‘women’, ‘staff’, ‘employees’ and ‘people affected by the menopause’ to reflect the fact that whilst most people who experience the menopause are women, some trans men and non-binary people experience the menopause too. We also recognise that some trans women may experience similar symptoms at times. Employers must ensure workplaces are inclusive and sensitive to the needs of all people, including those whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth.

The Wellbeing of Women Workplace Pledge has been written about by PPL PRS at pplprs.co.uk where more information and advice can be found.