Today (8 March 2022) is International Women’s Day, a global day which marks a call to action to accelerate gender parity and forge inclusive work cultures where women’s careers thrive and their achievements are celebrated.
This year’s campaign theme is #BreakTheBias, aimed at encouraging us to imagine a gender equal world which is diverse, equitable and inclusive and free from bias and discrimination.
Women between the ages of 45 and 55 are the fastest-growing demographic in the workplace today, with 4.5 million menopausal women now in employment. According to statistics, three in five menopausal women are negatively impacted at work as they struggle with symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, depression, loss of confidence and ‘brain fog’ but are reluctant to ask for support due to the stigma and lack of support around this historical issue. One in four menopausal women, often at the peak of their careers, consider leaving their job, resulting in the loss to UK businesses of vital knowledge, experience and talent.
The subject of the female menopause has only recently begun to gain momentum in the workplace as women are increasingly feeling empowered to challenge employers about outdated practices and ignorance. As workplace practices around the menopause have become the subject of greater attention, the rate of employment tribunal cases referencing menopause has almost doubled over the past four years, with women successfully bringing claims under the Equality Act 2010 on the grounds of sex, age, disability and gender reassignment discrimination.
Addressing menopause in the workplace is not only imperative for gender equality. Employers who take the menopause seriously, provide support and understanding to menopausal employees, train managers, make reasonable adjustments and foster an environment in which women feel comfortable and confident in talking openly about their symptoms, are more successful in retaining a large demographic of female talent and boosting diversity and inclusivity in their workplaces.
Let’s #BreakTheBias
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