CIPD launch policy manifesto for menopause at work

Close to 60 percent (59) of women experiencing menopausal symptoms said it had a negative impact on their work, according to research by the CIPD.

The chartered institute said the topic of menopause remains a taboo within most workforces, despite the likelihood that women over the age of 50 - the fastest growing portion of the UK workforce - will go through the menopause during their working lives.

To help ensure women get the right support when going through the menopause transition, the CIPD said necessary public policy measures need to be put in place - which is why it has launched its manifesto for menopause at work.

The CIPD is calling for the government to:

• Ensure that menopause is referenced as a priority issue in its public policy agenda on work, diversity and inclusion

“We are calling on government to consider menopause when scoping out the implications of public policy and make this explicit in their policy papers. Menopause has been largely neglected as an economic, workplace and diversity and inclusion issue throughout recent government strategies and policy papers. The Modern Industrial Strategy, Fuller Working Lives Strategy, Ageing Grand Challenge, and Improving Lives Strategy all address key economic challenges such as keeping people in work for longer, reducing the gender pay gap, and employee health and well-being - yet none mention the menopause.”

• Nominate a menopause ambassador to represent the interests of women experiencing menopause transition across government departments

“To reinforce the first recommendation, we are calling on government to appoint a menopause ambassador who can work across government departments such as GEO, BEIS, DWP and DHSC. This ambassador will ensure departments are joined up and considering the implications of public policy on women experiencing menopause transition.”

• Support an employer-led campaign to raise awareness of the menopause as a workplace issue

"To improve the experience of women experiencing the menopause at work, the government should publicly support an employer-led campaign to raise awareness of the menopause as a workplace issue. The campaign should be supported by professional bodies, trade unions and employer groups. It will focus on improving workplace and people management practices such as flexible working, line management and health and wellbeing at work policies. This will help to keep women in work for longer, reduce the gender pay gap, erase some of the stigma surrounding the menopause and improve productivity.”

The CIPD has produced a range of free downloadable and printable resources to help both people professionals and line managers develop menopause-friendly workplaces.