Lack of support for employees during the menopause

Which menopause symptoms are impacting women at work?

Our research shows that the three symptoms of menopause that impact women most in the workplace are hot flushes (60%), fatigue (53%) and mood swings (45%). When it comes to how they feel at work, women are left to feel isolated (20%) unable to complete their role (15%), and paranoid (13%). 8% of women surveyed even felt threatened they might lose their job.

To help try and manage their symptoms, 34% took time off from work, with 27% confessing they didn’t but wish they could have. Of those that did take time off, 30% took it as unpaid sick leave/unpaid leave. In more extreme cases, over one third admitted they wanted to leave their job due to lack of support whilst they went through the menopause at work.

Why do women feel unsupported whilst going through the menopause?

Failing to help women manage their menopausal symptoms can be one thing, though when discriminatory, offensive comments are also ignored by employers, the workplace can become an unbearable and upsetting environment.

Shockingly, 13% of women said they had been subjected to jokes, ridicule and/or unwanted “banter” about their menopause at work and 6% had their employer either terminate their employment or place them on an improvement plan due to their menopause symptoms.

The research indicates how many employers have failed to recognise the menopause as a significant factor affecting the wellbeing of female employees, and how some managers have downplayed its significance or impact.

In fact, half of women (49%) who were in employment at the time they went through the menopause said they didn’t feel comfortable enough to tell their line manager about it. Reasons as to why not include the manager being male (39%), having no policy in place to support women going through the menopause, (33%) and feeling embarrassed (28%).

In this video, our specialist employment lawyer, Doreen Reeves, provides advice on how to approach your employer about the menopause:

What to do if you’re facing menopause discrimination at work?

Jo Mackie, head of employment at Slater and Gordon, said: "The menopause is currently not a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. However, if you have been put at a disadvantage due to your menopausal symptoms, this could be discrimination if it is related to a protected characteristic such as age, disability or sex. We have been successful in bringing such claims for women suffering menopausal symptoms, and it is an evolving area of law.

“It is crucial that women experiencing the menopause are aware of the rights they have and are not simply putting up with unlawful behaviour. If you have been a victim of discrimination and you believe this is due to the menopause, contact an employment solicitor who will be able to advise you on your rights.”

Menopause is a natural part of life and no one should face detriment at work due to this. It’s important to tell your employer about the impact your symptoms are having on your workplace performance. From this, you’ll be able to request reasonable adjustments and further support. Watch Doreen’s video below to find out more on what you can request from your employer:

If you’re going through the menopause at work and your employer hasn’t granted you the support you need, or if you’ve been the victim of ridicule from colleagues, our expert employment lawyers can help provide advice on your next move.

Get in touch with us today on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.