For many, the signs of menopause: brain fog, fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes, or changes in sleep patterns, are dismissed as stress, aging, or just the result of busy lives. I, too, had no idea I was post-menopausal until a DEXA scan for a gym injury revealed it. And while that’s a whole other story (one that involves the power of our pelvic floor – perhaps for another article!), the key takeaway is this: menopause is real, it’s happening to millions of women in their workplace, and we need to talk about it.
Breaking the Silence on Menopause at Work
Menopause is not just a personal journey; it’s a workplace issue. It affects performance, confidence, and overall wellbeing. Yet, in many professional environments, it remains a taboo topic, something whispered about in corridors rather than openly discussed in meetings or HR policies.
Women experiencing menopause-related symptoms often feel stuck in their careers. They may hesitate in applying for promotions, struggle with concentration, or feel isolated in male-dominated industries. Some even consider leaving the workforce altogether, not realising that their challenges are not a personal failing but a biological transition. So, how can we change this?
Embrace the Changes, Don’t Challenge Them
One of the most empowering shifts a woman can make is to embrace menopause rather than resist it. Our bodies are evolving, and that’s not something to fight; it’s something to understand and work with. Through my own personal journey, I found immense value in yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. I often researched what foods and lifestyle changes supported my body best. What worked? What didn’t? I leaned into self-care in ways I hadn’t before.
But beyond personal strategies, we need systemic change. We need to normalise the conversation around menopause in professional spaces so that women don’t feel they have to navigate this transition alone.
Talking About Menopause – At Home and Work
In my own life, I talk about menopause openly, not just with other women but with my husband, my colleagues, and my clients. My beautiful husband listens to it all, and I share for the sake of other women in my world who may not have that same support. If we don’t talk about it, how will things ever change?
Menopause should not be a barrier to professional growth. In career conversations, it should be okay to bring up. Employers need to recognise that this is not just a “women’s issue”; it’s a workplace issue. It impacts productivity, engagement, and retention. By creating menopause-friendly policies, offering workplace wellness programs, and fostering open dialogue, businesses can support their employees in a meaningful way.
Practical Steps for Workplace Menopause Awareness
- Education & Training: Companies can provide training for managers and employees on what menopause is and how it can impact work.
- Flexible Work Policies: Continue to offer remote work options, flexible hours, or even spaces for those struggling with hot flashes can make a huge difference.
- Health & Wellbeing Programs: Incorporating menopause-friendly wellness initiatives, such as nutrition guidance, yoga classes, or stress management workshops, can be life-changing.
- Open Conversations: Encouraging mentorship, peer support groups, or even casual discussions can help remove stigma and create a culture of inclusivity.
Let’s Speak Louder
We, as women, need to speak louder about menopause – not in hushed tones or private Facebook groups, but in boardrooms, team meetings, and performance reviews. It’s time for workplaces to acknowledge this natural life stage and create environments where women feel supported, not sidelined.
If you’re going through menopause or even just starting to think about it, know this: you are not alone. There is strength in community, power in knowledge, and freedom in embracing this phase of life rather than fearing it. Let’s keep the conversation going, not just for ourselves but for the generations of women coming after us.
So, let’s ask the question again: Are we being heard? And if the answer is no, let’s make sure we change that.
About Nikki Louise Taylor
Career & Life Transition Coach | Outplacement Coach | Author of ‘Be Inspired’ | Empowering Growth and Transformation
