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​Among the many practical workplace measures employers can offer to support employees going through menopause, a dedicated menopause policy will provide a foundation for fair treatment and a point of reference for employees in need of advice or guidance. A willingness to listen to those who are facing this sometimes-challenging life stage amplifies a company’s culture, demonstrates a commitment to learn and act, ultimately leading to greater employee happiness and retention, and new talent attraction.

To help you decide on the type of support you might offer your employees, we have created a menopause template outlining what menopause is, who it affects, common symptoms and some practical steps that might be considered to help people manage their symptoms at work – from flexible working to desk fans and access to quiet wellbeing spaces.

In June 2023, Reed conducted a snap survey of 1,000 employed women in the UK aged 45-54 who are experiencing the menopause. When questioned whether they felt their symptoms affect them at work physically, 74% agreed – while a shocking 77% said they felt their symptoms impact them mentally.

And while 44% state they are comfortable talking to their employer about menopause, an almost equal number – 42% – are not, suggesting more needs to be done to support workers.

According to the survey, 46% of people said their employer does not have a menopause policy in place, while 28% didn’t know. Using our template can remove the doubt and uncertainty among staff and instil confidence in receiving support when needed.

Our editable workplace menopause policy template includes:

• What is menopause?

• Understanding the terminology

• Some common menopause symptoms and the support available

• Key responsibilities and who to contact

• Additional support

Menopause can no longer be swept under the carpet – our policy template can be used as a guide to update your current policy, or will allow you to create a policy if you don’t already have one.

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​​Supporting employees experiencing menopause symptoms at work is critical for any employer wanting to attract and retain talented people into their company. It is also the right thing to do, and for many women, action and attention when it comes to this potentially debilitating life stage, is welcomed with open arms.

For those either in or approaching menopause, this natural life stage signals the closing of their fertility window, with ovulation and periods ending usually between the ages of 45 and 55 years old.

The average age to reach menopause is 51, and while some sail through the experience with barely a hot flush, others are troubled by symptoms that impact their professional lives.

Research suggests those with serious symptoms take an average of 32 weeks of leave from work.

Menopause survey results

In June 2023, Reed conducted a snap survey of 1,000 employed women in the UK, aged 45-54, who are experiencing the menopause. We looked to discover what their employers currently offered in terms of menopause support and what they felt would help them feel more comfortable when experiencing symptoms of menopause in the workplace.

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When questioned whether they felt their symptoms affect them at work physically, 74% agreed – while a shocking 77% felt their symptoms impact them mentally.

And while 44% state they are comfortable talking to their employer about menopause, an almost equal number – 42% – are not, suggesting more needs to be done to support workers. According to the survey, 46% of people said their employer does not have a menopause policy in place, while 28% didn’t know.

These statistics show the scale of doubt and uncertainty among workers and indicate how much employers need to do to instil confidence.

Improving support and understanding

With women making up nearly half the UK workforce, improved education and awareness of menopause at work is essential. Our eBook will help you understand the potential biological and psychological pressures women face at this stage of life as they try to undertake their work to the best of their ability. It promotes open discussion for all employees to break taboos, shape policy and change perceptions, and encourages use of clear signposting to internal and external resources and support.

Above all, empathy and understanding are key to creating an inclusive workplace that is respectful of women’s health needs and dedicated to supporting this invaluable workforce demographic.

Our eBook, ‘Menopause: how to support your employees’, provides insight from top experts in the field including:

• Janet Lindsay, CEO, Wellbeing of Women

• Jenny Haskey, CEO, The Menopause Charity

• Dr Louise Newson, GP and menopause specialist and Founder of the balance website and app, The Menopause Charity, and Newson Health Menopause Society

By downloading this eBook, you will discover:

• What is menopause?

• Who is affected by menopause and when?

• What are the symptoms?

• What are the current treatments?

• How should we discuss menopause in the workplace?

• Impact of menopause in the workplace

• How to support menopausal employees

• What should menopause work policies include?

• Showing you care: organisational commitment

• How else can employers offer menopause support in the workplace?

​​Inductions are vital to ensuring new staff settle into an organisation and make a positive impact. Using a straightforward induction checklist can make onboarding simpler and more effective.

A concise and well-structured induction checklist for new staff can heighten the entire induction process, helping any new member of the team to get up to speed quickly and efficiently.

An induction checklist can remove some of the pressures that managers and HR professionals face when effectively onboarding new team members.

Our downloadable induction checklist includes:

• First day tasks

• First week tasks

• First month tasks

• Tasks after three months

• Tasks after six months

While checklists are helpful in ensuring best practice and a thorough employee experience, they shouldn’t turn the induction into a tick-box exercise. Our free induction checklist template is designed to simplify the onboarding process and support your new starters through their first six months.

Whether you are looking for guidance to use across your own company, or interested in learning more about what you need to include, this comprehensive checklist is an indispensable tool to help you and your new employees.