Menopause is something that every person with a uterus goes through at some stage of their life. Whether that be due to natural ageing or surgical outcomes. It is very significant in a person’s life and affects every area of life, including work.

Menopause affects a person in many different ways, including in emotional, physical, mental, social, and relational ways. In fact, some people find it to be one of the most difficult stages of their life.

This means that people experiencing menopause need proper support at work. They need to work in the right environment, with the right adjustments, and with the right people. Not doing so can cause increased levels of stress and discomfort throughout an already difficult time.

On this page, we want to help provide information about menopause and work and help women find the right job opportunities for them during this time.

Symptoms of Menopause

Despite menopause being such a normal and common condition, many people still do not know what it involves. The more we know about menopause and the more we can normalise it, the easier things become for everyone involved. So, with that being said, it is important to know the main symptoms. These can include:

• Mood swings and emotional irregularity
• Anxiety
• Sweating and hot ‘flushes’
• Changes in sexual function
• Changes in energy
• “Brain fog” and memory loss

As you can see from this list of symptoms, which is by no means a complete list of what every person experiences during menopause, it is a challenging experience for many. Dealing with such symptoms on a daily basis naturally makes it more difficult to work and maintain employment. As such, menopause needs to be handled with care at work.

Support for People Experiencing Menopause at Work

There are different methods of support that can help people experiencing menopause symptoms at work. These are called reasonable adjustments in the workplace and can include:

• Flexible working hours
• Working from home (always or in a hybrid model)
• Extended deadlines and flexibility around hand-ins
• More frequent breaks
• Changes to the physical working environment, including being at a desk near a window or fan
• Time off for doctor’s appointments or treatment

There are lots of ways in which employers and workplaces can positively impact the lives of people in menopause. Support is possible and it does help. The overall most important factor is that an employer is willing to understand and support you. Working for an inclusive employer can make all the difference in how you feel at work during menopause.

It may not always feel comfortable disclosing your condition but it is important to do so for the right support. We have a guide on this subject of disclosure right here.

How to Find the Best Job during Menopause

As we have said, the most important thing for people experiencing menopause is that they are actively supported at work. Working in an inclusive, accessible, and diversity-positive environment can make working during menopause much more attainable and sustainable.

If you are going through menopause right now and you want to work in an inclusive environment, you can find it right here at Aspiring to Include.

Our inclusive job board and directory of accessible employers can help you find the perfect opportunity for you.

Happy job hunting!