Learn on the go podcast: menopause in the social care workplace

Welcome to Learn on the Go, a podcast from Community Care Inform, where we discuss research, theories and practice issues, and look at what they mean for practitioners in social care. This episode is about the menopause and the discussion focuses on some of the less well-known symptoms and the impact they can have on women at work; why understanding the menopause and supporting women through it is particularly relevant for the social care sector; and the difference between a statement of intent and a menopause workplace policy, with suggestions for what to include in both.

Our podcast guest is Catherine Pestano, a social worker who set up a project addressing issues around the menopause in the workplace at the local authority where she worked, who now acts as a menopause consultant. Questions are asked by Natalie Valios, senior content editor for Community Care Inform Adults.

02:36 - What are the less well-known symptoms of the menopause?

06:30 - Why is understanding the menopause and supporting women at work particularly relevant for local authorities as employers of the social care practitioners?

08:49 - How to set up a project supporting women in the workplace.

13:35 - What should be included in a workplace menopause policy?

21:00 - How is knowledge of the menopause relevant for social work practice itself?

Community Care Inform subscribers can access additional resources and a written transcript of the podcast here.

References

Brewis, J; Beck, V; Davies, A and Matheson, J (2017)
The effects of menopause transition on women's economic participation in the UK
Department for Education

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Bupa (2021)
A guide to managing menopause at work: guidance for line managers

50Plus Choices Employer Taskforce (2021)
Menopause and employment: how to enable fulfilling working lives

Department for Work & Pensions (2022)
Menopause and employment: how to enable fulfilling working lives: government response

#KnowYourMenopause: the Pausitivity poster

Local Government Association (2019)
Managing the menopause at work: the menopause and the local government workforce

Maclean, S (2021)
Social work and the menopause: social work student connect webinar

Unison (2019)
The menopause is a workplace issue: guidance and model policy


Workplace resources

Acas
Menopause at work

balance app (founded by Dr Newson)

Pestano, C (2018)
'An unmentionable change'
Public Sector Focus, Issue 17, pp40-41

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Menopause in the workplace

TUC
Menopause at work


Useful organisations

British Menopause Society

Newson Health

Talking Menopause