Creating Truly Inclusive Menopause Support in the Workplace
On Thursday, 3 October, our CEO, Jenny Haskey, had the honour of speaking at The Advancing Menopause Policy in the Workplace Conference, hosted by the Institute of Government & Public Policy.
Menopause discrimination is an urgent issue in the workplace, affecting a significant portion of the workforce. While menopause is covered under the Equality Act, many organisations still lack clear guidance or policies to offer meaningful support to those going through menopause. According to a recent Acas survey, one-third of employers feel ill-equipped to provide adequate support for women experiencing menopause.
Jenny highlighted the importance of recognising that menopause affects a diverse range of individuals, not just ‘women of a certain age.’ She stressed the need to understand the unique challenges faced by employees from various ethnic, socio-economic, gender, and health backgrounds. Jenny shared her expertise to help attendees implement best practices, fostering a more inclusive workplace culture where all employees can thrive.
Supporting Menopause: Not Just ‘Nice-to-Do’, But Essential
Supporting menopause in the workplace is no longer a ‘nice-to-do’—it’s essential for organisations committed to diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being. Embedding menopause-friendly practices benefits everyone, creating a more supportive workplace for all.
One key takeaway from the conference was that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to menopause support. People experience menopause differently based on their background, health, and personal circumstances. For example, individuals in more deprived areas are less likely to receive proper menopause treatment, while Black and Asian women are often misdiagnosed. Disabled women and LGBTQ+ individuals face unique challenges, but tailored support can make a real difference in their experience.
Menopause Support Tailored for Everyone
At The Menopause Charity, we are committed to ensuring everyone gets the information and support they need. Our ‘Menopause Support for All’ campaign focuses on co-creating menopause resources tailored to different communities and experiences, ensuring individuals can make the right choices for themselves.
From 10th to 17th October, donations to The Menopause Charity campaign will be doubled by the Big Give. In return for your donation, we’re offering a free guide to creating inclusive menopause support in the workplace, building on Jenny’s conference insights.