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Menopause

In the first instance it is always helpful to explore your own avenues of support such as contacting the Employee Assistance Programme (Health Assured) - Schoolsnet (gloucestershire.gov.uk) or your GP. If you do need a referral to Occupational Health, you and your manager will need to follow the Occupational Health process.

 

Menopause policy 

This HR policy aims to raise awareness of menopause related issues at work and to assist managers in supporting individuals who are experiencing the menopause and their associated symptoms. 
The policy ensures that managers understand their responsibilities in relation to supporting individuals who are impacted by the menopause, to ensure that it is approached sensitively and meaningfully. Throughout the policy, gender neutral terms are used to describe individuals who may experience the menopause. It is recognised that not everyone experiencing the menopause will identify or express themselves as a woman. People who are non-binary, trans or intersex, and who may not identify as a woman, may also experience menopausal symptoms.

The policy therefore applies to anyone experiencing the menopause, regardless of their gender expression.
It applies to all individuals

This policy will assist Headteachers and line managers to manage situations that arise in line with their obligations under the legislation and the Fairness and Diversity at Work Policy located on Schoolsnet.

Contact: Email: ContactUs@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Telephone: 01452 42 5888

 

Menopause resources 

We acknowledge that these resources refer to “women” but the application of our guidance is not based upon gender. It is recognised that not everyone experiencing the menopause will identify or express themselves as a woman.

The Menopause (DOCX, 15.5 KB)

Menopause flyer (PDF, 503.8 KB)

Menopause is covered on the EAP  'My Healthy Advantage' App (JPEG, 282.9 KB) - find out more about the EAP app here

EAP contacts poster (PDF, 9.8 MB)

There is also a Menopause webinar available via the EAP 

 

Further information and useful links

 

What's needed for staff leaders to support colleagues

There are significant benefits in supporting individuals who are experiencing the menopause and ensuring they feel able to discuss any concerns with their manager. This way we can proactively take any reasonable steps to ensure any individual needs are met. This will enable us to support the health and wellbeing of our teachers and support staff which will in turn help to retain and recruit talented individuals and reduce sickness absence rates.

Taking a proactive stance to supporting individuals through the menopause can ensure that individuals are able to ask for help and adjustments so they can continue to be successful in their roles and reduce absenteeism due to menopausal symptoms. This will also reassure individuals that you are a responsible employer committed to supporting their needs during this transitional stage of their lives. We would expect support to be given as part of the regular supervision and one to one’s provided by Headteachers and/or line managers. These points of contact are fundamental to supporting individual health and wellbeing, spotting early signs of ill health or distress, andinitiating early intervention. The level of trust built with individuals will determine the extent to which colleagues are able to discuss menopausal symptoms and any support or adjustments they need at work.

 

Menopause Matters Month

October is Menopause Matters Month at Laughology. They have free resources, tips and workshops to help workplaces swap awkward silences for conversations that actually help.

 

In recognition of the significant impact perimenopause and menopause can have on individuals in the workforce, this month marks the voluntary introduction of Menopause Action Plans across the UK for organisations of over 250 employees.

As an organisation, GCC are proud of the work that is already taking place to support colleagues, and educate and dispel stigma around perimenopause and menopause, but we can always do better.

Work has begun to reflect on the work we are already doing, where gaps in our support occur and how we can strive for better.

It felt like a timely moment to highlight sources of support in place:

  • GCC have a menopause policy in place, giving guidance and information for employees and managers

  • Colleagues can join the friendly faces at our monthly Menopause Lunches. An informal, virtual meet up and chance to discuss, share information, signpost and laugh! Open to all whether you are needing moral support or just want to come along and understand some real-life stories

  • Once the new Learning Management System (LMS) is up and running you will be able to access online menopause training and learning

  • The Women’s Network have included menopause in many of their events, watch out for future events, or catch up on recordings from previous events

  • The Health and Wellbeing Hub on Staffnet has information and signposting support for menopause.

  • If menopause is affecting your emotional or mental wellbeing, the council’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offers 24/7 free, confidential advice and support

Contact the EAP:

  • Telephone: 0800 028 0199 (free 24-hour helpline)

  • Via the live chat available 24/7: http://wisdom.healthassured.org/login

  • On Health Assured's 'Wisdom' app which is free to download. Use our organisation code to gain access to the app and live chat - MHA051864.

We are committed to supporting colleagues and helping them to be healthy and happy at work. We can all help colleagues and ourselves by learning more about perimenopause and menopause and helping to remove any taboo around talking about it.

Visit the Health and Wellbeing Hub on Staffnet to read our menopause policy and find out more.

 

The Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels, it usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier and it affects anyone who has periods.

Perimenopause is when you have symptoms of menopause but your periods have not stopped. Perimenopause ends and you reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months.

Perimenopause and menopause can have numerous symptoms that can effect some and not others and to a varying degree. It's important for everyone to be aware that the menopause and its symptoms can affect staff at any time. Being aware of this can help staff continue to do their job confidently and effectively and reduce the negative impact on wellbeing. 

Symptoms can last for many years, and change over time, they can include: 

  • changes to your mood, like low mood, anxiety, mood swings and low self-esteem
  • problems with memory or concentration (brain fog)
  • hot flushes, when you have sudden feelings of hot or cold in your face, neck and chest which can make you dizzy
  • difficulty sleeping, which may be a result of night sweats and make you feel tired and irritable during the day
  • palpitations, when your heartbeats suddenly become more noticeable
  • headaches and migraines that are worse than usual
  • muscle aches and joint pains
  • changed body shape and weight gain
  • skin changes including dry and itchy skin
  • reduced sex drive
  • vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex
  • recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • sensitive teeth, painful gums or other mouth problems

Training

Menopause Awareness Workplace Online Training - Wellbeing of Women

Sign up to access this awareness training for free, it takes under 30 minutes and covers some of the most important learning points surrounding menopause. 

For other learning opportunities many resources are available on the useful link pages below. 

Awareness Video

This video highlights key facts about the menopause and uses personal accounts of the menopause to display the impact it can have on individual’s personal and work lives. Tips and tricks are also included on the best ways to open up a conversation around this topic with colleagues.

We recognise this video focuses on women but the application of our guidance is not based upon gender.

https://youtu.be/FE0CIosc3GI?si=M73YC-ayfPwKX48d

Support

If you are concerned about any symptoms you may be experiencing, it is really important to contact your GP and speak with a medical professional. There are links below that can be used as a source of information or to understand what symptoms can be linked to menopause. 

If you are comfortable, speak with your manager or HR about your menopause journey and the symptoms you are experiencing. It will help them to understand and you can discuss what adjustments may be possible to ensure you feel supported and allow you to continue to work to the best of your abilities. 

Useful Links

 

 



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