Struggling with the Menopause at Work? Support Guide

How Can You Ask For Help?

Ask your line manager for a meeting stating that you would like to talk to them about how you have been feeling at work. This should be arranged without due delay in a quiet and confidential space, allowing plenty of time for the meeting.

Prepare for this meeting, writing down the points that you wish to make, concerns you have and if you know, what support you would like/ need. If you are concerned about this, you could always seek help from another employee or a member of their HR department. You may even want to discuss this with a member of their HR department first (if the Company has one) and they could support you in rehearsing what you need to say, accompany you in the meeting or even speak to your manager too.

What should you be asking for - but often don’t realise you can?

To explore what adjustments would help you at work or to do your role, or even to attend work, this could include for a set period of time or permanent basis dependent on the condition that you are suffering from. This could be with regards to the following, although this list just an example, not exhaustive;

Working hours
Place of work
Regular breaks
Moved desks- near a toilet, to a cooler temperature or where it is quieter
Regular check-ins with your line manager as to how you are feeling, to keep them updated on changes i.e. following GP appointments etc.

Are you nervous about speaking up?

So that your line manager is aware of the challenges you are facing and hence way it may be affecting you at work it is better for you to be open about what is happening to your health and/ or how you are feeling. You are more likely to get support this way. Your line manger may have already noticed a change such as in your performance, mood or attendance. By explaining, adjustments and support can be put in place including a referral to an Occupational Health, if appropriate, for expert advice and this often feels as more support being in place for you. You could speak to a member of the HR department (if the Company have one) first if they feel more comfortable doing this.

There is now a greater awareness and legal protection in place (although hopefully the latter not required), with more pending, and also hopefully company’s policies and procedures will be in place as guidance and to show their commitment to supporting women at work with the peri-menopause, menopause or associated conditions i.e. Menopause Policy. Some of the organisations have internal support groups or Trade Union representatives that can serve as an addition source of information and support.

When speaking up you could ask a work colleague, member of the HR department or Trade Union representative to accompany you in a meeting with your line manager, as well as asking them to help them plan what to say.