Menopause and yoga in the workplace

Here is a really useful article for menopause in the workplace.

Yoga for Menopause and Menopause Circles in the workplace can be transformative. Giving women something practical to help with symptoms but at the same time providing a safe space to share and support is amazing.

Menopausal women are the fastest-growing demographic in the workplace; however, many of these women may be struggling to manage the psychological and physiological changes their bodies are going through.

A quarter of menopausal women will experience debilitating symptoms – from hot flushes and night sweats to increased anxiety – and for some it forces them out of the workplace completely. This means that experienced middle-aged women are leaving the workforce in droves.

These women are likely to be at the top of their game, but without the right support, at the right time, they are unable to reach their full potential for businesses to reap the benefits from.

We need to protect this talent.

It’s not really a surprise that menopause isn’t openly talked about in the workplace; symptoms are personal and sometimes embarrassing.

A large number of women find their symptoms negatively affect their job performance and many lose their confidence. Our research shows that almost a million women have left their job because of these symptoms.

And others are forced to take long-term absence from work to manage symptoms, taking an average of 32 weeks’ leave throughout their career, resulting in a huge loss of productivity to a business.

Businesses should be able to recognise when support is needed and facilitate open conversations with employees about what they’re experiencing.

Menopause shouldn’t be taboo, and everyone should feel confident to have a conversation with their line manager, especially when they need guidance and advice.

Open cultures need to be created where women feel comfortable to say they’re struggling with symptoms.

Internal campaigns or webinars for staff are a great way to do this, enabling and starting a conversation for people.

External speakers are a great way to engage people. Policies also need to be updated to reflect menopause – it needs to be included in sickness and flexible working policies to take into account symptoms such as night sweats and insomnia.

Companies must be flexible to their teams’ needs to make sure they’re performing to a high standard and getting the best productivity and engagement from them.

As well as education and creating open cultures, businesses must invest in services that support women to enable them to perform at their best.

It’s important that line managers are able to signpost their team to services and understand what help and support these are able to give.

Offerings such as virtual GP services and mental health helplines are incredibly valuable for women as they can access them any time from any location to get support on a range of symptoms they’re experiencing.

This link gives more information and is a good place to start.