Hot Flashes, Cold Shoulder: Why Work Won't Talk Menopause

Keywords

menopause, workplace, women, health, support, silent suffering, brain fog, HR policies, job performance, coping strategies, menopause, workplace, women, career, support, mental health, community, adaptation, policies, empowerment

Summary

In this conversation, Andrea Mallard addresses the often-taboo topic of menopause, particularly its impact on women in the workplace. She highlights the struggles women face, including hot flashes, brain fog, and the stigma surrounding discussions of menopause at work. Through personal anecdotes and statistics, she emphasizes the need for open conversations and support systems to help women navigate this challenging phase of life. The discussion also touches on the inadequacies of HR policies regarding menopause and the importance of coping strategies and self-care. In this conversation, Andrea Mallard discusses the significant impact of menopause on women's careers, highlighting the challenges they face in the workplace. She emphasizes the need for supportive environments and policies that acknowledge the struggles of women during this life stage. The discussion also touches on the importance of community and shared experiences among women, as well as the necessity for workplaces to adapt and provide necessary accommodations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Menopause
03:10 The Reality of Menopause in the Workplace
06:00 Silent Suffering: The Unspoken Struggles
08:58 The Impact of Menopause on Job Performance
12:06 Addressing the Stigma: HR and Menopause
14:59 Mind Games: Battling Brain Fog
18:01 Coping Strategies and Support
20:58 Conclusion: Embracing the Journey Together
31:17 Understanding Menopause's Impact on Women at Work
34:35 Career Challenges and the Decision to Leave
44:29 Adapting to Toxic Work Environments
49:19 The Need for Workplace Support and Policies

"Menopause and the Workplace" — Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), UK
https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/reports/menopause-at-work

 
"Working Through Menopause: Impact on Women, Businesses, and the Economy" — Mayo Clinic & The Harris Poll (2023)
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-mayo-clinic-survey

Women in the Workplace Report — McKinsey & Lean In (2022)
https://womenintheworkplace.com

“Fawcett Society: Menopause in the Workplace” (2022)
https://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/menopause-in-the-workplace

UK Parliament Women & Equalities Committee Report (2022)
https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/32063/documents/177461/default

“Menopause in the Workplace” — UK Government Equalities Office
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/menopause-in-the-workplace

 
"The Hidden Cost of Menopause Symptoms" — Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2023
https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(23)00490-5/fulltext

 

Workplace Solutions & Cultural Gaps

Nuffield Health Menopause Survey (UK)
https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/article/menopause-in-the-workplace

Women’s Health Concern & British Menopause Society (2022)
https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/menopause-and-the-workplace

AARP & Forbes Workplace Study (2023)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessicagoldstein/2023/04/14/the-workplace-menopause-gap