Health at Work: Menopause
Although it is rarely discussed
at work, the menopause is a natural stage of
life that millions of women workers are either
going through now or will experience in the
future.
These can affect how a woman does
her work and her relationship with her colleagues.
Unfortunately there is often very little understanding
of the issues and very little support for women
who are going through the menopause.
Employers have been slow to recognise
that women of menopausal age may need special
consideration. For too long it has simply been
seen as a private matter. As a result it is
very rarely discussed and many managers will
have no awareness of the issues involved.
This means many women feel that
they have to hide their symptoms and will be
less likely to ask for the adjustments that
may help them.
This must change. The menopause
is an occupational health issue, and one that
is growing in importance. Women now make up
almost half the workforce and there are an estimated
three and a half million women over the age
of 50 currently in work.
That number will rise as the retirement
age for women increases over the coming years.
It is important that safety representatives
and stewards raise the issue in the workplace
and make sure that employers are aware of their
responsibilities to ensure that conditions in
the workplace do not make menopausal symptoms
worse.
Women who are experiencing the
menopause also need to know that there is someone
they can go to and discuss any difficulties
they are having.
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