Today marks #WorldMenopauseDay. Hear from our CEO Isobel Jones on steps we are making towards becoming menopause-aware.
It’s time to start talking about the menopause.
With approximately 13 million women in the UK being peri- or post-menopausal, menopausal women are the fastest growing demographic in the workplace.
Actively working to challenge the stigma surrounding the menopause has been a real focus of mine this year, partly based on our ethos of valuing staff and ageing well, but also due to personal experience.
It’s an understatement to say that menopausal symptoms like anxiety, brain fog, and mood swings can have an effect on your personal and professional life. It’s of the utmost importance that we foster environments whereby women feel comfortable reaching out for support and sharing their experiences. Especially in the workplace.
Giving a presentation on the subject as part of our staff training, and writing a menopause-specific policy into our Staff Handbook are just two of the steps we’ve taken as a charity towards becoming menopause-aware.
Increasing understanding and ensuring adjustments are available, if needed, aren’t just helpful for other women. They’re essential for everyone – so that we can all develop the skills to support our colleagues, friends, and family.
It’s amazing to see in our office at Alive that the menopause is a normal topic of conversation. Free of taboo. And I want to thank my colleagues for their openness and honesty as we strive to ensure that no one has to suffer in silence.