Today on our own behalf…

The next Meno Meet-up will take place in Basel.

What: We’ll have a relaxed chat among women about meno symptoms and solutions.

When: Thursday, 7 September 2023, 19:00

Where: QuartierOASE, Bruderholzallee 169, 4059 Basel

How much: free of charge

Registration: By email to hello@TheWomenCircle.ch

«The Women Circle has helped me to better understand and deal with my menopause symptoms. The meet-ups have provided me with so many resources and I finally don’t feel alone anymore. I am grateful for the work that The Women Circle does and I would recommend them to anyone going through menopause.»
Micheline S.

We look forward to meeting you in person.

Menopause in the workplace – 6 tips

Things are moving – slowly but steadily.

A topic that has been kept quiet for a long time is increasingly coming to light: new research from the UK sheds light on the impact of menopausal symptoms on work performance.

Almost all respondents – 99 per cent – stated that these symptoms have a negative impact on their work. For 42 per cent of women, the idea of reducing their working hours or quitting altogether is on their minds.

Concern is spreading in the economy. In view of the shortage of skilled workers (baby boomers are leaving the labour market), the menopause is becoming not only a personal but also a social challenge.

Have companies in German-speaking countries realised this?

Not really yet. The low visibility of menopause in the workplace in German-speaking countries can be attributed to several factors.

Firstly, there is still a lack of awareness and knowledge about the impact of menopause on work performance (economic understanding).
Secondly, cultural taboos and insecurities lead to avoidance of the topic (cultural understanding).
Thirdly, there is a lack of clear guidelines and support measures that would encourage companies to address the issue (corporate understanding).

What can we do?

Break the silence: We all need to talk, write, comment about the menopause – everywhere – with friends, at work, on social media, in the newspapers, on TV. The more the topic is talked about, the more present it becomes.

Create a supportive culture in the workplace: start the first «small» conversations, explain to a colleague that hot flushes are not the same as menopause, but that there are many more symptoms. Involve your partner so that they are aware and can have their say. Talk to your friends about it – also at our Meno Meet-ups.

As The Women Circle, we communicate daily on LinkedIn. We talk to companies, managers, associations and clubs. If you would like to give us contacts that we should contact, please send an e-mail to Adrian.

What does this mean for you specifically if you are affected?

Talking to your boss about the menopause can be a daunting task. Many women feel uncomfortable bringing up such a personal topic in the workplace, but it’s important to remember that the menopause is a natural part of life that all women go through.

Here are 6 tips on how to talk to your boss about the menopause and get the support you need in the workplace:

1. plan ahead

Before you approach your boss about the menopause, take some time to prepare. Make a list of your symptoms and how they affect your work. Think about what adjustments or support you might need, e.g. a fan at work. This will make you feel more confident and prepared when you speak to your boss.

2. choose the right time and place

Arrange a private meeting with your boss when they are not too busy and can give you their full attention. Choose a comfortable and private place where you can talk openly and honestly. This will make you feel more comfortable and confident discussing such a personal topic.

3. be honest and direct

Talk honestly about your menopausal symptoms and how they affect your work. Explain how your symptoms are affecting your productivity and why you need adjustments or support. By being direct and honest, you can help your boss understand your needs and work together to find solutions. 4.

4. suggest adjustments

Be proactive and suggest adjustments to help you manage your symptoms, such as flexible working hours or a quieter workplace. Make it clear that these measures will help you to be more productive and make a greater contribution to the organisation. This way, your boss will understand that your support during the menopause is a win-win situation for everyone.

5. emphasise your value

Make it clear to your boss that your menopausal symptoms do not diminish your value as an employee. Emphasise your past achievements and show how you want to continue contributing to the company. This will help your boss understand that your support during the menopause is an investment in a valuable employee.

6. be open to feedback

Be open to feedback from your boss and be willing to work together to find solutions that work for everyone. This will help your boss to address such a personal issue and work with you to find solutions that support your health and wellbeing at work.

7. Bonus tip

If your boss wants to know more about the menopause, you can refer them to us.
You can also let them know that this topic is already being discussed in Parliament in the UK. There are hearings, working groups and debates on the subject. English studies also repeatedly show how valuable it is when companies support women during the menopause.

If you are stuck, get in touch with us.

Get in touch if you have any questions. We are here for you.

Joëlle & Adrian

PS: If you like the Meno Health information, why not send it to your friends?