That’s right we're going to cover all you need to know from work policy, approaching your line manager to introducing office adjustments that can help make you feel more comfortable ay work. In fact all the things you need to know, to keep the £££ coming in and feel valued and listened to.

But before we dive in, let’s take a moment to address the facts according to Professor Jo Brewis, co-author of the Government Report on Menopause, ‘menopausal women are the fastest-growing workforce demographic,’ which is highlighted by the Office of National Statistics.

Here are a few other key stats that came out of this research:

• The average age for a woman to go through menopause is 51 (it can occur earlier due to nature, surgery or illness)
• Symptoms of menopause start years earlier during the peri-menopause phase
• According to the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM), nearly 8 out of 10 menopausal women are working
• 3 out of 4 women experience symptoms, 1 in 4 could experience serious symptoms

So now that we’ve established that you’re probably not the only woman in an office going through a hot flush and feeling irritable let's talk about the things you can do to improve your work life. Firstly, we hope that there is someone in management or HR you can have a conversation with regarding the menopause because the only way to get help, is to ask for it. This ‘help’ can come in many forms from the simple low-cost support options like desks fans, extra uniforms (try our Ant-Flush clothing) through to flexible working or time off to visit your GP.

We know what you're thinking, it can be uncomfortable to have these conversations at work! But the truth is the menopause takes a psychological toll on you as well, it affects your relationships, it lowers your confidence, it creates brain fog and worst of all it makes you question yourself. So, asking your employer to help you be a little more physically and mentally comfortable, is not only your right but is necessary to help you do your job effectively.

 Here’s a list of reasons why employers should care:

• 1 in 3 people in the workforce will be over 50, and retirement ages are now 68.
• There have already been successful employment tribunals against employers due to unfair practices impacting menopausal women.
• Menopause is covered under the Equality Act 2010 and can be enforced on the grounds of sex, age or disability discrimination.
• Employers generally want to (and need to under law) create a culture of inclusivity and that includes menopausal women.
• The cost of recruitment can be high, not to mention all the time it will take to bring a new person up to speed. So it’s not in their best interests to lose you.
• The cost of defending a tribunal case is £8,500 and this does not include the cost of any awards or the claimant’s legal fees. Again, they are unlikely to want to end up in a dispute by not supporting you.

Every reason mentioned above is a reason that your employer will support menopausal women in the workplace. So, if you have invested decades and your time and energy into your career employer don’t be afraid about asking for something in return.

We have loads more information and guidance in our Menopause Guide  and don’t forget our Anti-flush clothing is the perfect solution to counter hot flushes in the workplace. You can view the full collection here

The facts cited in this post came from  - a great place for further research. https://menopauseintheworkplace.co.uk/menopause-at-work/menopause-and-work-its-important/