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Human Resources

Support for Managers

We know from research that those experiencing menopause-related problems find it difficult to disclose their symptoms to their line manager. In order to help everyone thrive through their Menopause, there is a range of support and resources available for managers. 

As a manager you do not need to be an expert but remain curious and be open to learning more about how menopause can affect colleagues' ability to perform in their roles.  

Anyone experiencing menopausal symptoms should be treated with the same support and understanding as if they had any other health issue. According to research, 77% of people do not realise their symptoms are related to the menopause and it often takes multiple trips to the doctor before periods or hormones are even discussed. 

The following statistics are then reflected in the workplace: 

  • 18% are taking at least eight weeks off work;
  • 21.2% avoid going for a promotion;
  • 18.2% reduce their hours; and
  • 12.1% resign

Sign up to the next Menopause Awareness for Managers session to find out how you can support your colleagues.

How to have supportive conversations

Common menopausal symptoms may amount to a disability. Employers may discriminate against an employee if they:

  • fail to make reasonable adjustments;
  • don’t assess whether there is any causative link between menopause and
  • the employee’s behaviour before taking action; and/or
  • make offhand comments relating to menopause, as these may amount to harassment.

 These guides will help you to:  

  • be confident about your role in managing and supporting colleagues with menopausal symptoms  
  • understand and reduce the barriers that could potentially prevent a colleague going through the menopause transition from performing and/or developing to their full potential  
  • identify appropriate workplace changes or adjustments to support team members and help them thrive at work  
  • foster an inclusive working environment in which everyone is treated fairly. 

Guidance for colleague discussions about the Menopause 

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Line Manager Support Guide 

Support with reasonable adjustments

Offering a member of staff who is struggling with their symptoms the opportunity to make some reasonable workplace adjustments, could make a huge difference. 

Manager's Support Reasonable Adjustments Guide

The Workplace Adjustment Toolkit provides more guidance on what workplace adjustments can be made, how to arrange, review and change them and signposts staff and managers to sources of information and guidance..

Menopause at Work film

Menopause at Work short film by Skillsbooster 

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Menopause Awareness for Managers Training

With a growing number of people going through the menopause transition experiencing symptoms so severe that they leave the workplace, it is vital that managers understand the impact that symptoms can have, and know how to support their colleagues. 

Menopause events 2024/25

Join the following events that have been arranged to help get everyone talking about the Menopause. As with all our events, all genders are welcome to attend. In order to book events on LearnUpon, please  first for the links to take you directly to the booking page. 

Menopause Cafés

Menopause Cafés in the workplace help to raise awareness about the menopause and reduce the stigma and isolation that people going through the menopause transition can feel. Everyone is welcome and we encourage all genders to come along, even if you are not experiencing symptoms yourself.

Upcoming dates:

3 December from 12pm to 2pm. This café will be slightly different as I am delighted to welcome Dr Laura Kounine, Senior Lecturer in Early Modern History, MAH, along to talk about the factors that contributed to the widespread belief in witchcraft and why women, in particular, were more likely to be accused and persecuted. Our usual café will follow on afterwards. Please come along for some or all of it and a mince pie or two! . 

19 February online from 12pm to 1pm. If you would like to come along, please email l.whittaker@sussex.ac.uk to receive the zoom link.

 

Menopause Awareness for Managers

As more people experience menopause symptoms so severe that they feel compelled to leave the workplace, it's essential for all managers to understand the profound impact these symptoms can have and how to offer effective support. This session will provide valuable insights into menopause, its symptoms, and how they can affect colleagues at work. You'll also learn practical strategies to foster a supportive and inclusive work environment.

By attending, you'll enhance your management skills, demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusivity, and contribute to the well-being of your team. We highly encourage managers of all ages and genders to take part in this important training.

The next session will be on Thursday 6 February 2025 from 11am to 12.30pm on campus. Book your place on

 

Menopause Awareness (all staff)

Join our workshop to find out more about what the menopause is and why it’s important we all are aware of it in the workplace. Whether you are experiencing symptoms yourself or just want to find out more about menopause, please join us. All ages and genders are welcome.

The next sessions will be on:

Monday 3 March from 11am to 12pm on campus. Book your place on

 

Exploring the Impact of Menopause and Neurodiversity

Everyone is different, and initial research shows that menopause can have a far greater impact on autistic people for whom the changes in mood, physical symptoms and cognitive ability can be nothing short of terrifying. 

We are delighted to invite you to a thought-provoking webinar that delves into a vital area of research: the impact of menopause on autistic individuals. This event promises to shed light on an often overlooked intersection of menopause and autism.  While the research primarily focuses on autism, it also explores other forms of neurodivergence. This event is open to all staff.

This session will take place online on 6 March from 12 pm to 1 pm. Book your place on .