Menopause & Work Dr Angela Higgins (PhD) Head of Occupational - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Menopause & Work Dr Angela Higgins (PhD) Head of Occupational Health Service

: Context  75-80% of women in UK of menopausal age are at work.  SHSCT - 9,704 female staff - 30.51% over age 50+.  HSC – fast paced, older buildings, uniform.  Everyone’s experience is different: - range of symptoms - level of impact – home/work * but still a life transition

Most Common Impacts At Work :  Temperature fluctuations  Fatigue – lack of sleep/night sweats  Decreased concentration  Increased self-consciousness/embarrassment  Decreased confidence (makes symptoms worse)

Recent Changes  Increased profile/discussion – media, local radio, news.  More emphasis in workplace development of policies, guidance for managers and employees.  Needs to be woven into fabric of organisation’s policies i.e. work/life balance , H&S, flexible working.

Room For Improvement  Still a bit of a taboo.  Culture – women suffer in silence.  Lack of openness with employees/manager – due to perceived embarrassment/privacy.  Rarely OH referral stating menopausal symptoms – is S/A it should be highlighted.

Support Available  Line manager/colleague – ‘comfortable conversations’.  Environmental – should be added to generic risk assessments re temp control, ventilation (fans), uniform material, toilet facilities.  OH confidential advice/support. Refer to OH if both staff and manager feel appropriate . OH can provide specific recommendations.  Inspire confidential counselling service  Work-Life balance/flexible working policies.  U-Matter – Interactive guidance.