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I am sure you have read the articles in the press recently about how many working days are lost through women being off with menopause symptoms, and also how many women are struggling either through their symptoms affecting their work or their colleagues or bosses being unsympathetic to their plight. Over the last few months, I have had a lot of queries from women who are in this situation and have asked for help.
Working in a lovely company, which is woman dominant, and where we can get lots of support for any health problems, I naively thought that it would be the same in any workplace. How wrong I was! I have been really shocked by what some women have to put up with.
Now, most women will go through the menopause without too much of a problem but for some women it can be a really miserable time and if you are trying to cope with the following issues and trying to be efficient and energetic at work, it can be really hard.
Menopause can cause the following problems, which can make work life difficult:
I have had a number of women tell me that their boss is very unsympathetic to their situation, even threatening them with the sack if they don’t improve, and this is not just male bosses – I am appalled at how some of the younger women haven’t a clue either!!
So what can you do if you are finding work really difficult or you feel that your boss is discriminating against you or has a negative attitude to your situation?
The first thing to do is to refer to your company’s policies/handbook for guidance in how to raise problematic issues.
Then go and see your HR Dept and explain to them how you are feeling and how your symptoms are affecting your work. Ask if you can have a meeting with your boss accompanied by an HR representative. I know that having to speak to a boss about your menopausal symptoms, especially if they are male, can be extremely daunting and embarrassing, so having a mediator can be a real help. To be honest, most men and younger women really have no idea about the menopause so they may actually appreciate a little education on the matter!
Your company may need to consider flexible working patterns and allow female staff to take longer or more frequent toilet breaks.
Does your company have other female managers whom you can turn to and seek guidance from? If there are a large number of women of menopausal age in your workplace, would it be beneficial to create a support group?
Looking at the working environment may prove beneficial. For example, is there adjustable temperature control when women are suffering really badly with flushes and sweats? Are there adequate drinking water supplies? If wearing a uniform, is it able to be adjusted or partly removed, and is there an opportunity and facilities for women to change clothes during the day?
If you work for a small company it can be more difficult to get your message across but it is really important that you have a voice and that you are not threatened in any way. If you feel that you need more advice you can contact ACAS – this is an organisation that can help with employment issues.
Yes, fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to prepare yourself for your working day so that it can go more smoothly.
Has anything like this happened to you and how did you resolve it?
Menopause Support a unique formulation of isoflavones from soy, magnesium and hibiscus, can be used to help you through all stages of the menopause.
“Great product! Does what it says on the pack!” Andrea, UK
To find local independent stores in your area that sell Menopause Support, simply type your postcode below.
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