Menopause affects millions of people – directly and indirectly – and yet it’s still too often overlooked in the workplace. World Menopause Day is a powerful opportunity for organisations to show support, raise awareness and foster a culture of understanding.

As a female led business passionate about supporting local businesses, we want to reach out to all employers – and to everyone really, as to why menopause awareness is so critical.

Whether you are a man or a woman, it is time to start supporting your colleagues, friends, or loved ones going through this challenging phase.

Sue says “when I was growing up in the 80s, and then starting in the workplace in the 90s, Menopause was not talked about. There were work colleagues arguing about the heating on, the heating, off, windows open, windows shut, hot flushes, headaches, mood swings” We didn’t know what all of this was about. And then it was my turn. For me, not having children brought a halt to periods at 41 and an early menopause. I was running a business, delivering training, visiting clients and dealing with some heavy-duty HR. Navigating a divorce, moving house and all whilst juggling deadlines, decisions, and people. It felt like my body was turning on me.

Just some of the symptoms I experienced were:

• Hot flushes (or power surges as I affectionately called them) that hit me like a wave of fire in the middle of a training session – mine didn’t come at night!
• Brain fog so thick I’d open my mouth and forget what I wanted to say.
• Tears out of nowhere.
• Rage that felt like I was out of control.
• Confidence that felt like it was suddenly gone.

Menopause doesn’t care about your job, how competent or confident you are. It can stop even the most resilient women. And yet, most of us still show up, smile, and pretend everything’s fine. But it isn’t fine. This is something that fundamentally changes our body, mind, energy and the way we operate on a daily basis.

Menopause isn’t a weakness. It’s a phase – one every woman will go through if she’s lucky enough to live that long (except a few of my friends who still laugh off they are not doing “it”).

With the right awareness, discussion and care, we don’t have to lose brilliant, experienced women at the height of their careers.

To employers, we are asking you to get on board and start taking action. Women need your support now more than ever. Menopause impacts mental health in ways that can be devastating, but with the right support, women can thrive. Creating an inclusive, understanding workplace not only helps retain talent but fosters loyalty and productivity.

Menopause is not something to ignore—it is something we need to talk about and act on.

Here are some things that can help:

1. Raise Awareness and Educate: Seek to understand the mental and physical toll it takes. Organise training, bring in specialists, and foster a culture where people understand the full impact of menopause.
2. Encourage and start open conversations: The silence around menopause needs to end. Women should not be shamed into keeping quiet about their symptoms. Having open conversations about menopause will help normalise it and create a supportive environment.
3. Develop a Menopause Policy: A formal policy ensures that support is not only available but consistent. Whether it is flexible working hours, time given for appointments, or workplace adjustments, having a policy in place shows that you are serious about supporting your staff
4. Champion Menopause and Wellbeing: Designate champions within your organisation who can lead on menopause awareness.

We would love to help you and educate your team and work with an amazing Menopause Expert – our friend and associate @Tish Fisher.

We combine her knowledge and experience in training and education with our menopause policy and real-life stories (from Sue as Ant is not yet old enough to have experienced it but at least is well versed!)

So, to every woman reading this: you are not alone. The mental and physical effects of the menopause are real, but there is hope. Through friends, supportive workplaces, and for me – HRT, you can find ways to navigate and deal with this. It can be an incredibly tough phase of a woman’s life, but we can all support each other.

Together, we want to create workplaces where no woman has to face menopause alone – so please reach out if we can help or support you in any way.