Terms of Use
Menopause Policy
This document sets out the Company’s policy on those in the workplace a ected by the menopause. It sets out where to access the resources and support available to a ected employees, and covers the guidance available in the eventuality of the menopause a ecting the person at work. The menopause can typically occur between the ages of 45 and 55, however perimenopause can occur years before periods cease for a number of medical reasons, and the symptoms of menopause can last for years after menstruation has stopped. As people of typically menopausal age make up 11 percent of all people in employment, we feel that we are responsible for outlining the symptoms and providing support, where possible, to those experiencing these symptoms in our workplace. Menopause Symptoms
Menopause means the end of monthly periods, and the perimenopause leading up to this will see hormone levels starting to fluctuate. 25% of su erers will experience little to no symptoms. Postmenopause occurs after twelve months and one day without a period, and again symptoms will continue for many. As mentioned above, menopause can be triggered before the average age as a result of;
- a hysterectomy
- treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Or, premature menopause can occur as early as your teens, with many su erers not knowing the reason for this.
Oestrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone are the hormones responsible for the symptoms of the menopause. Firstly, Progesterone levels lower which can make some feel anxious, nervous and on edge. Oestrogen will then fluctuate which causes poor sleep, brain fog and uncomfortable physical symptoms such as joint pain, hot flushes, and increased urinary complications. When Oestrogen fluctuates this can cause rapid changes in mood, giving su erers a feeling of lack of control. Finally, Testosterone, which naturally reduces as we age, causes a loss of libido. Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms, but many will experience some.
Resources
The Company recognises that from time to time working whilst experiencing the menopause can be dif icult, and so we have compiled resources, available in the drive to assist with the following; understanding the stage of menopause the person is in, recognising the symptoms of the menopause and how to ease them, and further resources for support external to the Company.
These resources include;
- Access to organisations such as Menopause Experts, which has free newsletters, advice, help for coping with symptoms and how to be a menopause champion in the workplace, and Menopause Support which has advice for partners of those dealing with the menopause.
- Access to organisations such as Menopause Experts, which has free newsletters, advice, help for coping with symptoms and how to be a menopause champion in the workplace, and Menopause Support which has advice for partners of those dealing with the menopause.
- Access to organisations such as Menopause Experts, which has free newsletters, advice, help for coping with symptoms and how to be a menopause champion in the workplace, and Menopause Support which has advice for partners of those dealing with the menopause.
- Free online training for su erers and those who wish to receive support from the Menopause Experts.
It is our policy to encourage open discussion between you and your line manager (or another trusted member of sta ) to ensure that questions and problems regarding menopause and the e ect it has on you can be aired. It is our policy within the Company that employees are supported, taking into account the needs of the individual and the Company during this time.
Health & Safety
The Company has a duty to take care of the health and safety of all employees. The Company recognises that due to the physical changes occuring during the menopause that certain routines at work and at home can be disrupted and/or become dif icult to continue. The Company will take such steps as are reasonably necessary to avoid this, such as altering your working conditions. This can be as simple as giving control of the thermostat in the of ice to control temperatures which are more suitable for the person. We are also able to provide you with desktop fans for use at work or at home. In the event that it is not possible for the Company to alter your working conditions, the person can opt to work from home on a more regular basis. Please refer to our flexible working policy which covers our expectations for remote working.
Further Resources
As listed in our UK sta bene its, the Company encourages the use of our therapy service, Spill. Spill has therapists and wellbeing counsellors on hand to talk through any issues a ecting wellbeing and mental health. Many GP surgeries now run menopause clinics and we will support time o for the individual to attend any associated medical appointments.
Support for Partners
As well as Spill, there are resources in the drive to assist partners of those in the menopause in order for them to support and understand the issues that may be a ecting their partner.
Our Promise to You
Our aim as The Company is to develop a tailored plan for those of you who may experience the menopause whilst working for us. If you need advice and support for this issue, please contact Aimė Watson-Bachini or Catherine Roberts from the People Team, or your line manager.