Menopause & Work Dr Angela Higgins (PhD) Head of Occupational - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Oct 19, 2022 273 likes •348 views

Menopause & Work Dr Angela Higgins (PhD) Head of Occupational Health Service : Context 75-80% of women in UK of menopausal age are at work. SHSCT - 9,704 female staff - 30.51% over age 50+. HSC fast paced, older buildings,

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Menopause & Work

Dr Angela Higgins (PhD) Head of Occupational Health Service

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:

Context

 75-80% of women in UK of menopausal age are at work.  SHSCT - 9,704 female staff - 30.51% over age 50+.  HSC – fast paced, older buildings, uniform.  Everyone’s experience is different:

range of symptoms
level of impact – home/work

* but still a life transition

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Most Common Impacts At Work:

 Temperature fluctuations  Fatigue – lack of sleep/night sweats  Decreased concentration  Increased self-consciousness/embarrassment  Decreased confidence (makes symptoms worse)

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Recent Changes

 Increased profile/discussion – media, local radio, news.  More emphasis in workplace development of policies,

guidance for managers and employees.

 Needs to be woven into fabric of organisation’s policies i.e.

work/life balance , H&S, flexible working.

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Room For Improvement

 Still a bit of a taboo.  Culture – women suffer in silence.  Lack of openness with employees/manager – due to

perceived embarrassment/privacy.

 Rarely OH referral stating menopausal symptoms – is S/A

it should be highlighted.

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Support Available

 Line manager/colleague – ‘comfortable conversations’.  Environmental –should be added to generic risk

assessments re temp control, ventilation (fans), uniform material, toilet facilities.

 OH confidential advice/support. Refer to OH if both staff

and manager feel appropriate . OH can provide specific recommendations.

 Inspire confidential counselling service  Work-Life balance/flexible working policies.  U-Matter – Interactive guidance.