Personalised Workplace Menopause Solution
Around 13 million people in the UK are currently peri- or post-menopausal and, according to the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, almost 8 out of 10 of them are in work. Menopause is not an illness or disability (Equality Act 2010) although symptoms can be disabling. This means that employers who fail to properly provide support to their people could be found to be discriminatory. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 provides for safe working conditions, which includes the working conditions when experiencing menopause symptoms.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is a significant and natural stage in a woman’s life that signifies the end of her menstrual cycles and reproductive years. Typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, this transition is officially recognised after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
Understanding the Transition
Menopause is not merely the cessation of periods; it’s a complex biological process driven by hormonal changes. As women age, their bodies produce less estrogen, the hormone responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting various bodily functions. This decline in estrogen triggers a cascade of physical and emotional symptoms.
What effect does the Menopause have on women in the Workplace?
Below is a list of someone of the effects menopause can have on women in the workplace:
- Cognitive Symptoms:
- Memory lapses and difficulty concentrating, often referred to as “brain fog,” can hinder daily tasks and complex problem-solving.
- Physical Symptoms:
- Hot flashes and night sweats can cause discomfort and fatigue, making it hard to maintain focus and energy throughout the workday.
- Emotional Symptoms:
- Mood swings, irritability, and anxiety can affect interactions with colleagues and overall workplace relationships.
- Sleep Disturbances:
- Insomnia and disrupted sleep can lead to daytime tiredness and decreased alertness, impacting performance and safety, particularly in jobs requiring attention to detail.
- Stigma and Lack of Awareness:
- Many women may feel embarrassed or reluctant to discuss their symptoms due to the stigma around menopause, leading to a lack of support and understanding from employers and coworkers.
- Health and Safety:
- Certain workplace conditions, such as poor ventilation or high stress, can exacerbate menopausal symptoms, further impacting a woman’s ability to work comfortably and safely.
Stella x BMEB partnership
Stella Menopause (Stella) has chosen to partner with Employee Health & Benefits consultancy, Black Mountain Employee Benefits (BMEB) to address a growing workplace issue. The Stella X BMEB Workplace Menopause solution provides personalised support not only for your employees who are going through menopause, but also access for family members who need menopause support.
The Stella X BMEB partnership supports the British Standards Institution (BSI) workplace standards and encourages employers to establish a workplace menopause strategy. The strategy expects a clear commitment from employers that menopause is a workplace issue, and this should involve creating and regularly reviewing policies, embedding pathways and putting in place a range of tools and support to help people struggling with menopausal symptoms.
Menopause is complex. Symptoms can be physical, mental or a combination of both, affecting your people in different and changing ways. With the unique Stella X BMEB partnership, we are here for you every step of the way, providing a personalised online workplace menopause solution with services exclusive to us.
Stella Menopause CEO says:
“We know that great menopause care is not one-size-fits-all. That is why Stella’s online menopause clinic offers everything people need to manage their specific symptoms – from lifestyle and behavioural advice to medication. We are excited to be working with Black Mountain Employee Health & Benefits to help employers fill this gap and get people the support they need when they need it. It is our mission to offer personalised menopause care that is safe, effective, and affordable. Offering exclusive Stella X BMEB benefits, we believe this will help make a significant difference – to individuals and workplaces.”
Black Mountain Employee Benefits Director says:
While employers consider getting serious about menopause, creating a workplace Menopause Strategy including simple changes to the physical setup of offices, resetting expectations around work culture, and updating health care policies will make a difference. Better care and support during menopause can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia, and for these reasons, we are excited about the announcement of the Stella X BMEB partnership. This unique service provides employers with the opportunity to offer their people with not only a market-leading, evolving, and tailored workplace menopause solution that’s not available elsewhere, but also creates the chance for employers to demonstrate their commitment to offering an equitable, equal, and inclusive workplace.
Want to know more? Then what are you waiting for, get in touch at: peopleandreward@Blackmountainhr.com
