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Menopause and the Workplace: It’s Time for Better Support and Education

by | Oct 10, 2024 | Women's Health

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Get in touch to schedule a session to provide menopause education for your workplace by emailing me at hello@mishwright.com<br />
We can discuss your needs and your budget to make it work and make you a stand out employer.

The Senate Inquiry into perimenopause and menopause has highlighted a crucial issue affecting women across all sectors of the workforce. This Inquiry revealed that menopause is much more than hot flushes and sleepless nights—it impacts mental health and physical well-being and often forces women to step back or leave their careers entirely. As a society, and especially as workplaces, it’s time we recognise the real effects menopause has on our workforce and take action to support women going through this transition.

Menopause in a workforce

Understanding the Senate Inquiry

For those unfamiliar, the Senate Inquiry into perimenopause and menopause was a formal investigation aimed at uncovering the impact of menopause on Australian women’s lives, particularly in the workforce. Across seven hearings, women, professionals, and organisations shared their experiences and provided evidence.

The Inquiry made it clear that menopause is not just a personal health issue—it’s a workplace issue, with many women facing forced career changes due to a lack of understanding and support. These findings show the urgent need for better policies and workplace education.

Understnding menopause

Why Menopause is Everyone’s Business

Menopause affects 51% of the population directly, but it’s not just a “women’s issue.” The other 49%—colleagues, managers, and clients—are likely working with, living with, or supporting someone going through it. Despite this, menopause remains a topic shrouded in stigma. Many women don’t feel comfortable discussing it, even when symptoms significantly impact their work performance.

Symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, and mental health challenges (brain fog, anxiety, depression) can affect a woman’s ability to perform in her role. Without open conversations and a supportive culture, many women suffer in silence, pushing through until they can’t anymore. The result? Talented, experienced professionals are leaving the workforce earlier than they should.

Special Challenges for Women in the Fitness Industry

The fitness industry presents its own unique set of challenges for women experiencing menopause. Fitness professionals—whether trainers, group exercise instructors, or studio owners—are often in roles that demand peak physical and mental performance. Joint pain, muscle fatigue, and energy loss, common symptoms of menopause, can make it feel impossible to keep up with the demands of teaching classes or training clients.

Unlike other industries where duties may be adjusted more easily, fitness professionals rely on their bodies as part of their livelihood. Without flexible working arrangements or the ability to modify class loads, women in fitness may find themselves stepping back or retiring early. What’s most disheartening is that many don’t realise their symptoms are related to perimenopause or menopause—they believe it’s just the inevitable wear and tear of the job.

Supporting menopause in the work

How Can Workplaces Offer Support?

The Senate Inquiry has made it clear that workplaces can and should do more to support women during this critical life stage.

Here’s what businesses across all industries, including fitness, can do:

  • Flexible Scheduling: Menopause symptoms fluctuate, and so should work schedules. Offering flexibility can help women manage their symptoms without sacrificing their careers.
  • Creating a Supportive Culture: Open up the conversation about menopause. Encourage staff to share their experiences and ask for help when they need it. Remove the stigma and normalise discussions about menopause.
  • Practical Adjustments: For physical jobs like those in fitness, consider adjusting workloads or allowing for alternative duties. Provide quiet spaces or options to work remotely when needed for office environments.

The Bigger Picture: Menopause Education for All

Education is key. 

Menopause may directly affect women, but it impacts everyone in the workplace. Employers need to be proactive, not reactive. By educating all staff—men and women alike—on the effects of menopause, companies can create a more inclusive environment. When everyone understands what menopause is and how it impacts a woman’s ability to work, there’s a greater sense of empathy and a higher likelihood of retaining experienced staff.

Moving Forward: What Can You Do?

The Senate Inquiry findings have opened the door for change, but it’s up to businesses to step through it. If you want to create a more supportive, informed workplace, it starts with education. Read the full Senate Inquiry report here.

Staff development sessions on menopause

Want to Take Action?

If you’re ready to educate your team—whether you run a fitness studio or manage a corporate office—I can help. I offer menopause education for workplaces, both face-to-face and online. Remember, menopause doesn’t just affect the women in your team; it impacts everyone. Equip your staff with the knowledge they need to create a supportive, inclusive environment for all.

Get in touch to schedule a session to provide menopause education for your workplace by emailing me at hello@mishwright.com

We can discuss your needs and your budget to make it work and make you a stand out employer.

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