More employers now recognise the importance of supporting women’s health, particularly in relation to menopause, fertility and early parenthood, says AXA Health’s Emma Cronin (pictured right), a registered nurse and midwife. And it isn’t just women in their 50s who stand to benefit — an effective menopause strategy can bring positive changes across the workforce says Peppy’s founding clinician and menopause specialist, Kathy Abernethy
What is the impact of menopause in the workplace?
KATHY ABERNETHY: “According to ONS figures there are around 4 million women aged between 45-55 in the workplace, the age at which menopause symptoms are typically experienced. Evidence suggests more than six out of 10 of these women will experience symptoms which negatively impact their work.
“Symptoms include disturbed sleep, anxiety, depressed mood, memory and concentration problems, hot flushes and night sweats. As a result of these issues around 1 in 4 women will consider leaving the workplace; but this is just part of the problem. Many more women will reduce their hours, taking on roles with less responsibility or not pursue promotion opportunities. The question is not whether employers can afford to offer dedicated menopause support as part of their health and wellbeing benefits it’s whether they can afford not to.”
What should employers be doing to support their employees affected by menopause and other health conditions ?
EMMA CRONIN: “Companies need to create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing issues around menopause, fertility and early parenthood and know any issues raised will be handled sensitively and in confidence. Effective line manager training is a good place to start, with adequate resources put into education and training.
“Support needs to be embedded across the business to ensure employees get the help they need, whether it’s being able to easily access policies about taking time off for medical appointments, having a discussion with HR about hybrid or flexible working, or signposting advice on HRT, mental health support or other wellbeing options through employee benefit packages. Some workplaces have ‘menopause cafes’ giving staff the opportunity to meet and discuss issues that might be affecting them. Others have facilities to allow new parents to express breast milk privately, and for it to be stored. These initiatives help address any stigma and ensure people get the help they need.”
How can a more inclusive workplace help employees struggling with menopause and other health issues?
KATHY ABERNETHY: “Menopause is an issue that affects everyone in the workplace — not just those going through these natural biological changes. Effective support services also help men who may be worried about a spouse, partner or colleague.
“It’s important services are available to employees of all ages, as perimenopause symptoms can start when women are in their late 40s. Black and Asian women may experience symptoms at a younger age, while medical issues, such as cancer treatments, mean some women go through the menopause at a significantly earlier age. It’s also important to remember menopause will also be experienced by trans men and those who identify as non-binary.
“Creating an inclusive environment and opening up these conversations can lead to better support for other related issues, such as fertility and early parenthood, which affect male and female employees equally.”
Are more companies now addressing this issue?
EMMA CRONIN: “Since the Covid pandemic more employers have recognised the importance of supporting staff with menopause, fertility and early parenthood. Campaigns by celebrities like Davina McCall have helped raise awareness and reduced the stigma around talking about menopause in the workplace. We’ve seen significant progress made in the way people address mental health issues and similar barriers around talking about reproductive and gynaecological health are starting to come down.”
How does AXA Health help businesses support their employees on these issues?
AXA Health’s PMI policies include a menopause-specific benefit. Members also have access to a 24/7 health support line, where nurses, midwives and pharmacists can discuss concerns around fertility, early parenthood and menopause.
AXA Health also offers access to wellbeing services and health apps. Corporate clients can opt to offer health app Peppy to their employees, which includes access to one-to-one consultations with experts across menopause, fertility and early parenthood, as well as specialist resources and information.
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