Mar 2022
OSJCT support and advice for women experiencing the menopause
Blog by OSJCT HR Manager, Peta Fry
Hot flashes, insomnia, night sweats, weight gain, mood swings, memory loss. These are just some of the symptoms that women can experience during the menopause. Some women suffer these adverse effects for several years, often when they are still raising children and juggling other care-giving responsibilities.
It's no surprise that this period of life can significantly impact women's jobs, relationships, and home life. In fact, six out of ten women experiencing menopausal symptoms say it has a negative impact on their work, much of which is made worse by the fact that no one talks about it. Menopause shouldn't have to result in women suffering in silence at work – or worse, changing jobs or leaving work altogether.
OSJCT is keen support anyone going through menopause* and ensure that we all feel confident to be able to have a conversation about it and the impact that it’s having. We recognise that there are sometimes embarrassing and stressful symptoms to contend with, which can be made worse by the negative perception of menopause, as well as a lack of accurate knowledge on the subject. To be able to manage the menopause these are some of the ways you can take control.
Don't Suffer in Silence
Too often, we feel the need to hide our symptoms or pretend that everything is fine, when it's not. On some days, your symptoms may be manageable. But there may be other times when they become severe, and you struggle to cope.
Take Control
It may not be possible to combat every symptom of the menopause. But making some simple changes to your lifestyle, such as diet and exercise, can help. Common advice is to:
- Stop smoking.
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption (both of which can make symptoms worse).
- Minimise stress levels where possible.
- Take regular exercise.
- Think about your diet – try foods that are high in calcium and Vitamin D.
- Explore different options with your doctor, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or complementary therapies and support, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Talk to Your Manager
You may be embarrassed to broach the subject of menopause with your manager. But if you're worried that your symptoms are worsening or that they're impacting your work, then at some point you will need to talk to them about it
Here are some tips to consider when talking to your manager:
- Be prepared – know your symptoms and how they are affecting you.
- Book a meeting – let your manager know that you would like to discuss a personal matter, that way your meeting should be given the time and discretion it deserves.
- State your situation clearly – underline the importance of having their understanding and support. Don't be afraid to give some examples of how your symptoms have affected you and/or prevented you from doing a good job..
- Offer some solutions – your manager should work with you to provide effective support, but it's always a good idea to bring some solutions to the table, too. For example, if you're suffering from hot flashes regularly, perhaps you could request a desk fan or ask to sit next to a window. Often simple things like this can make a big difference.
- Follow up – your manager may need to go away and seek further advice on what you've told them. But it's still a good idea to book a follow-up session before your first meeting ends to agree next steps and let your manager know how you're progressing.
If you feel unable to talk to your manager, talking to a trusted colleague, a different manager, or someone from your HR team can also be helpful – and they may still be able to signpost any support available.
Share Your Experience
Too often women suffer through the menopause in silence, but it's important to know that you're not alone. While each person's experience will be slightly different, chances are your friends are encountering similar challenges, too.
During April, OSJCT is offering the opportunity to join free lunchtime sessions to managers and employees on Understanding the Basics of Menopause.
*At OSJCT 87% of the workforce is female and 22% in 45 – 55 age range during which time many women will be affected by the menopause and peri-menopause (March 2022).