Dealing with menopause in the workplace
Today is world menopause day and we’d like to highlight the importance of managing menopause at work for both the employee and the employer. Around one in eight of the British workforce are women over 50, and by 2022 it is estimated that proportion will grow to around one in six. Most women over 50 will have, or have had, perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms that affect their work performance. For one in three women, these symptoms will be severe. Luckily ACAS has published guidance, which seeks to assist in a better understanding of the symptoms and how to best manage them at work.
Salient points from the ACAS guidance include:
- Providing training for managers;
- Establishing a menopause / wellbeing champion in the workplace;
- Creating and implementing a menopause policy;
- Making reasonable adjustments for people suffering from the menopause;
- A greater awareness around employment law and the risk of a discrimination claim if menopausal symptoms are not treated with care;
- Creating a trusting and informed environment at work so that people suffering with the menopause feel able to disclose their symptoms and agree the best way forwards.
If you need assistance with any of the above as either an employee or an employer you can contact the GA employment law team on 01752 203500 or email me at robert.zacal@GAsolicitors.com.
Rob Zacal, employment solicitor