{"id":2144,"date":"2021-12-08T17:57:42","date_gmt":"2021-12-08T17:57:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oculus-hr.co.uk\/?p=2144"},"modified":"2021-12-08T17:58:34","modified_gmt":"2021-12-08T17:58:34","slug":"menopause-and-how-to-support-employees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oculus-hr.co.uk\/blog\/advice\/menopause-and-how-to-support-employees\/","title":{"rendered":"Menopause – How to support employees"},"content":{"rendered":"

The menopause is a natural stage of life and yet, in many workplaces, it is still seen as a taboo topic.<\/p>\n

Everyone experiences the menopause differently. Some people notice little impact on their daily life. But, for others, the symptoms can be severe, affecting them both physically and mentally and having a negative impact on their performance and attendance at work.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important that businesses look for ways to support their employees and create an environment in which discussion on the subject is open and honest.<\/p>\n

What is the menopause?<\/h5>\n

The menopause is a natural stage of live, affecting around half of the population, including women, trans people, and intersex people.<\/p>\n

The menopause usually occurs sometime between 45 and 55 years of age, but it can happen earlier or later. People experiencing the menopause can go through a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms, which can last for several years.<\/p>\n

How can employers support their employees during the menopause?<\/h5>\n

For employees, the menopause is a health and wellbeing concern and it\u2019s important that it is handled sensitively, as any other health issue would be.<\/p>\n

For those experiencing menopause symptoms, it can be incredibly difficult and stressful. So it\u2019s vital that we normalise discussing the impact the menopause can have on employees and ensure there are measures in place to support them.<\/p>\n

Absence<\/h5>\n

Any absence relating the menopause must be managed sensitivity. Menopause-related absences should be recorded separately from other absences. Although it\u2019s not a legal requirement, it\u2019s also good practice to allow employees to attend medical appointments related to the menopause.<\/p>\n

Identify any reasonable adjustments<\/h5>\n

Employers should support their employees through every stage of the menopause. Have regular conversations with your employees to ensure you understand their needs and can put procedures in place to enable them to continue to do their job effectively.<\/p>\n

Consider how aspects of their job might make menopause symptoms more challenging. This could be factors such as:<\/p>\n