Menopause

According to the Australasian Menopause Society, in 2021, approximately 83% of women experiencing menopause were affected at work. Some common symptoms include hot flushes, sweats, sleep disturbance, and mental health issues.

Not everyone will want to discuss menopause at work, or with their manager. Flinders is aiming to raise awareness of menopause and it’s impacts with all staff, including providing supervisors with the relevant knowledge to enable safe discussions about this topic should anyone want to raise it.

As an organisation, Flinders recognises the impact of menopause on the workforce. To address the challenges seen from menopause, Flinders is taking action to embed a change in culture. This includes:

• Increasing awareness of menopause by providing information and training.
• Providing support for supervisors to better understand menopause and the workplace impact.
• Building a community that connects individuals and provides access to relevant information.
  

While not all women will be impacted by symptoms of menopause, the following resources have been collated to provide access to information.

If you think menopause could be impacting you or your work, consider these options:

• Utilise the free services offered by MetLife 360Health through our partnership with Uni Super. Services include asking a medical question, seeking an expert medical opinion, nutrition consults, fitness and recovery consults, and mental health reviews.
• Consult with a medical professional to discuss treatment options or self-help strategies. Flinders offers a confidential health service at our Bedford Park campus or book an appointment with your own GP.
• Attend training and information sessions offered by Flinders relating to menopause.
• Contact the Employee Assistance Program if you require additional support or assistance.
• Identify if there are reasonable adjustments you could access based on your symptoms.
• Speak with your manager, supervisor, or People and Culture if you have any questions or want to discuss how it may be impacting you.

For further information about menopause, visit the Useful Resources section below.

Supervisors play an important role in providing support for staff. Research from Bupa showed that almost a million women had left jobs as a result of menopausal symptoms. As a supervisor, the support you provide will have a significant impact on your team.

It is important not to make assumptions about menopause. The age, the impact and the experience, will vary considerably from person to person. The role of a supervisor is to provide a safe and supportive environment.

Not all staff will want to discuss their menopause journey with people from their workplace. These are ways you can provide support as a supervisor:

• Provide a safe environment where staff can have sensitive discussions about menopause.
• Where possible, be mindful of the workplace temperature and ventilation.
• Ensure staff impacted by menopausal symptoms are not stigmatised, bullied, harassed, or discriminated against.
• Support staff with information about reasonable adjustments, leave, and flexibility in the workplace.
• Provide information about the health services provided by MetLife 360Health through our partnership with UniSuper, and/or GP services available at Bedford Park.
• Provide information about our EAP services if relevant.

To learn more about menopause, and menopause in the workforce, refer to the workplace resources provided below.

• Menopause Friendly - Information Pack for Managers provides information about menopause and the role you can have as a manager.
• Menopause Information Pack for Organisations is a free resource that helps workplaces to support the menopausal transition.
• The Menopause and the workplace fact sheet provides advice on ways a supervisor and organisation can provide support to employees. 
• Helpful menopause resource is an overview about resources available.

These resources have been collated to support women going through menopause. They provide useful information about symptoms and support.

• The Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) provides a wealth of information regarding peri-menopause and menopause. It provides Health Information which may be freely accessed to help women and their health professionals better understand the transition through this stage of life.
• The Menopause Alliance Australia provides evidence-based information and support for women who are perimenopausal and menopausal. They advocate for equity, inclusivity and empowerment for women and aim to end the disadvantages seen due to menopause.
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health provides an overview of menopause and a checklist of symptoms.
• SHINE SA provides a range of information about menopause including a handy fact sheet.
• Find out more about premature menopause or medically triggered early menopause.
  

These reports provide more information about menopause in Australia.

• Attitudes to menopause and menstrual leave – National Women’s Health Survey.
• Senate Inquiry into Menopause and Perimenopause.
• National Women’s Health Strategy 2020-2030.
• Driving the change: Menopause and the workplace.
  

World Menopause Day is held on 18 October with the purpose to raise awareness of menopause and the support options available to improve health and wellbeing of women. In 2024, the theme is Menopause Hormone Therapy.

We encourage managers and staff to look at ways you could acknowledge this event within your area.

Upcoming Information Session

• TBC

Past sessions

• Menopause Awareness for Staff: Wednesday 23 October 2024, 11:00am - 12:30pm
• Menopause Awareness for Managers: Monday 14 October 2024, 11:00am - 12:30pm

World Menopause Month Inspiring Stories - In conversation with Imogen Crump

Dove - Thriving through Menopause