July 11th 2024.
The stage of menopause can have a significant impact on a woman's decision to stay with or leave her employer. It brings along a range of physical and emotional symptoms such as low mood, brain fog, hot flushes, night sweats, and difficulty sleeping. According to Morpheus, a menopause research platform, there are a whopping 103 ailments that women can suffer from during this stage. These symptoms can start as early as the 30s and peak in the mid-to-late 40s, with menopause typically occurring around the age of 50 or 51. However, the timelines, severity, and symptoms can vary for each woman.
For menopause activist and champion, Davina McCall, the onset of perimenopause in her mid-40s was a scary time. She recalls feeling lost and experiencing broken sleep, brain fog, and emotional instability. Her struggles with menopause led her to present two well-received documentaries and write a book called "Menopausing," which won Book of the Year at the British Book Awards 2023. This highlights the growing interest in women's health and the lack of information available for women in mid-life.
Actress Tracee Ellis-Ross can relate to this experience as she shared on a podcast that she is currently going through perimenopause. She describes it as "frying" her brain but also sees it as an invitation to a new season and chapter in her life. However, she also expresses frustration with the lack of information and the stigma surrounding menopause.
One of the most concerning aspects of menopause for many women is the impact on their cognitive health. According to Morpheus' research, five out of the top 10 menopause symptoms are related to cognitive health, such as brain fog, fatigue, and forgetfulness. This can be particularly alarming for women in the workplace who have to juggle these symptoms while trying to perform their job. A recent report by Encompass Equality revealed that 38% of UK women are likely to leave their employer within the next two years, and 49% of Black women say they are likely to quit. For women in their 50s, the numbers are even higher, with 42% saying that menopause symptoms significantly impact their lives and decisions about staying or leaving their job.
While these symptoms are often discussed among women, they are not as openly addressed in the workplace. A-list celebrity Naomi Watts has even launched her own beauty line, Stripes, catering to women going through menopause, but at work, women tend to suffer in silence due to fear of stigma. A study by law firm Lime Solicitors found that 44% of women with menopause symptoms choose not to speak up at work, resulting in a series of consequences, such as being too embarrassed to talk about it or lying about their reasons for taking a sick day.
The solution to this issue lies in proper workplace support. According to Lime Solicitors' research, 60% of respondents believe that their workplace should offer more menopause support, but only 29% feel comfortable asking for adjustments that can help. A supportive line manager, company-wide menopause policies, and education and awareness are crucial for women going through this stage. While the government rejected a proposal for menopause leave pilots last year, companies are stepping up to support their employees. For example, Royal Mail has introduced a menopause policy and formed a menopause taskforce, while Tesco changed its uniform to incorporate a breathable fabric to help with hot flushes. As they say, every little bit helps.
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