Influencing guidance on menopause in the workplace

Research by Professor Maria Evandrou, Professor Jane Falkingham, Dr Min Qin and Professor Athina Vlachantoni on changes to employment brought about by menopause, analysed data on 3,109 employed women at age 50 from the UK National Child Development Study. The findings indicate that those with severe menopausal symptoms had a higher chance of leaving employment or reducing their working hours. The research has informed workplace recommendations by the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS). The findings have been referenced in evidence to the UK Parliament, with Professor Jo Brewis, lead author of the 2017 Government Equalities Office report ‘The effects of menopause transition on women’s economic participation in the UK’, citing the research in written parliamentary committee evidence. This evidence was then used in the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee report ‘Menopause and the workplace’ published in 2022.

Mims Davies MP, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, hosted a policy and practice roundtable meeting at the University of Southampton in 2023. In the meeting, Professor Falkingham shared the research findings on menopause and the barriers to remaining in the workplace with Minister Davies and other politicians (including the Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP), local business and council leaders, and private sector and charity organisations. Professor Falkingham was then invited to attend a roundtable meeting at 10 Downing Street, hosted by Minister Davies in March 2024. Highlighting the International Women’s Day theme of ‘inspiring inclusion’, the meeting focused on employer support for people affected by menopause in the workplace. The roundtable also marked the publication of the Menopause Employment Champion’s 12-month progress report, ‘Shattering the silence about menopause’ and the re-launch of the Menopause Resources Hub on the Help to Grow portal

The research has also inspired a training course on menopause at work for staff of the University of Southampton. The course aims to increase understanding and awareness of menopause, encourage conversation, and create a menopause-friendly environment, including new training resources such as a menopause guide and a podcast.

Further reading

Menopausal transition and change in employment: Evidence from the National Child Development Study (Maturitas)

Global consensus recommendations on menopause in the workplace: A European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) position statement (Maturitas)

The effects of menopause transition on women’s economic participation in the UK (Government Equalities Office report 2017)

Parliamentary committee written evidence on menopause (Professor Jo Brewis)

Menopause and the workplace

(House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee)

Government urged to improve menopause care to keep women in work (CPC-CG news)

Shattering the silence about menopause: 12-month progress report (Department for Work and Pensions)

Menopause in the workplace resources hub (Help to Grow)

Heather Pasero talks to Professor Jane Falkingham OBE about her research on menopause in the workplace (World Menopause Day podcast)