By 2022 this will be one in six. Does your organisation have a menopause policy, or a menopause or wellbeing champion? Many women will have perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms that affect their work: for one in three the symptoms are severe. These range from difficulty sleeping and tiredness, to anxiety and panic attacks. If a worker does not get the help and support they need, they can become ill, lose confidence in their work, develop mental health problems.
Workers who take time off because of menopausal symptoms are unlikely to tell their employer the real reason because they are embarrassed or fear for their job security. It can also be because their line manager is unsympathetic.
Acas has published, on its website, helpful advice and guidance, Menopause at work. This sets out how employer and worker can agree changes at work to help the worker manage their symptoms. Changes can be simple such as providing a fan, allowing breaks when needed, flexibility in start and finish times, and working at home.
A mismanaged case can end up in the Employment Tribunal: a worker may claim discrimination on the grounds of sex, disability or age.
If the Employment team can be of any assistance in connection with discrimination policies, procedures or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us by contacting any of our offices: Banbury, Bicester, and Rugby.
Alternatively, you can contact us directly on 01295 270999 or visit our website.
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