Navigating Menopause in the Workplace - Q&A with Kylie Pinwill
by Nikki Warren on May 28, 2024
As a busy, driven woman in the prime of your career, you're likely familiar with the juggle of balancing work, family, and life. But as you navigate through the various stages of life, there's one significant transition that often gets overlooked in the workplace: menopause.
Menopause is a natural progression in a woman's life that brings its own unique challenges, which can profoundly impact us not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. So, let's address some of the most common questions surrounding menopause and its impact on the workplace with an accredited menopause nutritionist Kylie Pinwill.
How does menopause affect women in the workplace?
Menopause can affect women in numerous ways at work. Fatigue and brain fog can disrupt productivity and concentration; mood changes and irritability can impact our work relationships, and the emotional and physical toll of menopause may lead to increased stress, loss of confidence, anxiety and difficulty managing work-related responsibilities.
If you have not yet reached menopause but are in perimenopause, you may be navigating the change and would like to know more about what to expect in perimenopause. Many women find that there are many benefits of yoga in perimenopause which can help prepare them for menopause in the future.
Can women lose their job because of menopause?
Legally, employers cannot terminate an employee solely because of menopause. However, if menopausal symptoms significantly impact job performance, many women lose confidence in themselves and their abilities, opting to demote themselves, or reduce their hours which ultimately can have a significant financial impact, creating additional stress.
What not to do during menopause?
When we’re exhausted and feeling like we are barely surviving each day, it’s easy to take shortcuts when it comes to our health and wellness.
We’re taking the easy option with our meals and hitting snooze instead of hitting the pavement. Perhaps we’re self-medicating with wine to wind down during the evening and binge Netflix on the couch instead of going to bed.
Continuing to “push through” and ignoring our symptoms can push us closer to burnout and impact our relationships with those closest to us.
How do you stay sane during menopause?
Know that you are not alone, and that there is support available to you, in the form of an understanding health practitioner, or conversations with family and friends who are on this journey with you or come out the other side.
This is the time to prioritise self-care … by nourishing ourselves with fresh food and quality supplements, moving our body in a way that feels good. Prioritising sleep and an earlier bedtime. Building in time to relax and connect socially.
Stress management practices to combat flying off the handle at things that would never previously have bothered us are essential. To keep our cool using tools such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can help alleviate symptoms and support our emotional well-being.
Can I take time off work for menopause symptoms?
Depending on your workplace policies you may be entitled to take time off, under menopause leave or mental health leave. Don’t be afraid to communicate openly with your employer of how your symptoms are impacting you at work and ask for support. Remember that menopause is something 50% of the population will experience, so it’s OK to talk about it. If we aren’t, we should be!
Do women give up work because of menopause?
While some women may consider leaving their jobs due to the challenges of menopause, it's not inevitable or necessary for everyone.
Empowering yourself with credible information to make informed choices, asking for support, taking proactive steps with your health, many women can continue to thrive in their careers. At this stage of life, we bring a lot to the table in terms of experience, knowledge, and wisdom… and we need to own that!
Are there any menopause policies at work?
Some forward-thinking companies may have implemented menopause policies and initiatives to support women in menopause. This could range from wellbeing programs, flexible working arrangements, access to healthcare resources, and accommodations for symptom management. If your workplace doesn't have anything in place, then be an advocate for your own health. Why not open the conversation.
How to handle menopause symptoms while working?
It’s important to remember that this is a natural transformation in a woman's life and there is no shame in having open conversations about the impact menopause may be having on us.
Many women experience weight gain during menopause and want to know how to lose weight naturally. Having a healthy wholefood diet and exercising regularly is key.
While menopause may present challenges in the workplace, it's essential to remember that you're not alone. By prioritising your self-care with good nutrition and positive habits, seeking support from understanding healthcare professionals, and communicating openly with your employer, you can navigate through menopause with confidence and continue to thrive in your career.
Many women want to know how to treat the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause naturally. Taking our Menopause Day and Menopause Night formulas, can help support oestrogen hormone levels, reduce hot flushes and night sweats associated with menopause and reduce irritability and moodiness.
Remember, you're a resilient, capable woman, and menopause is just another chapter in your remarkable journey.
For more information and support, you can head to Kylie’s website to check out her menopause programs.
