<aside> 💭 For some people, the menopause can have little impact on their daily life, but for others, they can experience a whole range of symptoms that can last for several years and have a negative impact on their work and personal life. Whether it be that your sleep is being disrupted, you’re experiencing psychological distress or that you’re experiencing heavy and painful periods, the menopause can effect people differently so it’s important that you know what support is available.

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Introduction

The menopause is a natural part of life. Put simply, it happens when someones oestrogen levels drop and they stop having their periods. The menopause is described as more of a ‘transition’ rather than a ‘one off’, as the symptoms and effect on someones health are typically experienced for several years after it’s begun. Generally this happens between the ages of 45-55, but for some it can be much earlier or later than this.

We know that not all women go through the menopause, and not all those who go through the menopause are women. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive and safe working environment for everyone — please reach out if there’s something you need from us to make your time at work more comfortable.

Support Available

• Discomfort caused by the menopause counts under our Sick Leave & Pay policy. If you’re suffering while going through the menopause, don’t be afraid to take time-off as sick leave. This can take a massive toll on you day to day, and can make even the smallest of tasks seem incredibly difficult. Make sure you’re taking the time to look after yourself 💛
• If you can't take time off for whatever reason, make use of Our Approach To Flexible Working. Sometimes you might just need a little extra time in the morning to relax before you start work, or to take a walk, a breather or to stretch! You might not need a whole day off and being flexible about your working day might suit you better
• Let’s talk about it. We know this is sometimes easier said than done, but talking to your manager, or the People team can help us support you better. While we do our best to check in and recognise signs that someone might be struggling, these conditions are invisible and it can be tricky to detect when someone is suffering in a remote world!
• Making adjustments. We want to help you as much as possible, and sometimes this might be making simple changes to your role or your working environment to make you more comfortable while at work. You can also let us know if there’s any extra equipment that you need to make your life easier!
• We provide mental health support with Spill. If you’re struggling mentally during this time, you have the option to take advantage of the support offered by Spill. You can also read our Mental Health Support page to see what other support is available

<aside> 💭 We’re designing our policies and explainers to be inclusive and meaningful. They’re not exhaustive and we recognise that we might not always get it right. Please be candid with your feedback and suggestions.

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