What women experience at work
Hot flushes in meetings and presentations. Losing words when speaking. Fatigue after broken nights. Heavy bleeding without easy bathroom access. Anxiety that was never there before. Fear of being judged as less capable.
Changes that help
A desk fan and a seat near a window or away from heaters. Uniforms in breathable fabric, with spares. Cold water and easy bathroom access. Flexible start times after bad nights. Working from home on bad days. Time off for appointments. Written notes after meetings.
What employers can do
Write a menopause policy. Train managers to open the conversation and agree adjustments. Record menopause symptoms separately from sickness absence triggers. Offer a named contact outside the line manager. Review uniforms, temperature and break arrangements.
Your rights
In many countries, menopause symptoms can be protected under discrimination laws on sex, age and disability. Employers may have a duty to make reasonable adjustments. Check the guidance in your country.
Talking to your manager
Book a private conversation. Explain the symptoms that affect your work, not your whole history. Propose specific changes. Agree a review date. Keep a written record.
See a practitioner if
- Symptoms affect your ability to work
- You are considering reducing hours or leaving
- You need a letter supporting workplace adjustments
Hope runs Menopause at Work for employers, human resources teams and leaders.
See the workplace programmeCommon questions
Do I have to tell my employer?
No. You choose. Telling someone can unlock adjustments that make work easier.
What if my manager is dismissive?
Go to human resources or your named menopause contact. Keep a record of what was said.
How can my workplace get training?
Hope runs Menopause at Work for employers, human resources teams and leaders.
Sources
- United Kingdom Equality and Human Rights Commission, menopause in the workplace guidance, 2024
- The Menopause Society, Making Menopause Work
- Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, menopause at work research
This page is education, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or menopause practitioner about your own care. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.