Menopause: The impact on women, men and business

“I feel invisible.”

“This is not me”

“My GP prescribed anti-depressants, but I know I am not depressed”

Powerful, perhaps surprising words to hear, from professional women at the peak of their career.

Women are now working later in life, for longer, and in more senior positions than at any time in history. Menopause is still very often a taboo subject, both in society generally and in many work places. In the UK, more than 4.3 million women aged 50 and over are in employment, and even more impactful to understand is that 8 out of 10 menopausal women are currently in employment. So, this is not just a female issue, it is very much an organisational issue. For those going through the menopause, around 80% of women are impacted by some of these symptoms, and about a quarter of them, very severely.

WIBF has been delighted to co-host with Refinitiv this popular and well-attended event on the menopause, understanding more about what it is, and its impacts on women, men and the work place.

In an introduction to this hot topic, Vivienne Artz, (President of Women in Banking and Finance), opened by welcoming its timing, soon after World Menopause Day on 18th October, as an opportunity to raise awareness of the menopause, support the options that are available, and to bring to discussion the support that is out there to improve health and well-being.

Vivienne was delighted to welcome Menopause Specialist Dr Theodora Kalentzi MBBS (Equiv.), MSc, MRCGP, DRCOG from Medical Prime. Dr Theodora led the discussion today, and focussed on three key areas. Firstly – what is the menopause, secondly, the impact on women, men and business, and finally, she explored top tips for managers, teams and organisations around how we can better support individuals with the menopause in the work place.

The session provided real-life examples, an understanding of key symptoms, and practical considerations that workplaces can take into account when planning for workforce support.

The interactive break-out room sessions sparked lively discussion, and opened up honest discussions by member experiences and perceptions. Shared feedback identified several points, questions and opportunities that organisations can think about further including: Is menopause part of the D&I agenda? How much do written policies become practical processes? What training can or should be offered to line management to support women in the workplace? And how much should process, and policy, consider both what is adequate to support those who are comfortable to speak about their experience, and those who perhaps want more privacy and a proactive support and information made available.

“Excellent presentation” “Fantastic session” “Insightful” “…refreshing to have people talk candidly about health issues and what we can do in the workplace”

To view a recording of the presentation please watch the video below