By Lucy Caulkett-
The legal profession has been called to be more open about experiencing the menopause at work.
The Law Society today called for more attention to be paid to women undergoing the menapauce, in a guidance that warned against continuing the stigma which acts against the interest of affected women .
The society stressed the importance of organisations and their leaders understand the impact of the menopause on their employees and are able to offer support and adapt their environments to be more accommodating.
It’s equally as important that individuals feel empowered to talk about the menopause and are informed on the symptoms both for those that will experience the menopause first-hand, and those that will be supporting family members and colleagues through it.
‘Managers do not need to be menopause experts. Managers simply need an understanding of how menopause might affect some women and a willingness to have an open conversation particularly in regard to the practical needs of the employee,’ the guidance said.
In its guidance to mark Menopause Awareness Month, The Law Society published a series of recommendations in conjunction with healthcare support business Peppy, the Law Society said the menopause is still ‘taboo’ in the workplace and staff are reluctant to raise the topic.
Steps such as ensuring access to cool areas in the office and flexible working hours for those struggling to sleep due to the menopause were recommended.
According to figures cited in the House of Commons in 2018, 50% of women find working difficult due to the menopause and 10% consider leaving work altogether.
Taboo
President of the Law Society Simon Davis said: ‘The menopause is not an insignificant amount of time in someone’s working life – and yet, it is often a taboo subject in the workplace. With women now comprising over 60% of new entrants to the profession, it is high time to normalise discussions around menopause in the workplace.’
Davis added that three out of four women experience symptoms, with one out of four having symptoms troublesome enough to affect their everyday life.
‘It is important to recognise that individual experiences of the menopause will vary greatly and that transgender men and women, non-binary and intersex people may also experience menopausal symptoms,’ Davis said.
‘Firms and legal businesses should try to create a culture which encourages openness, where those experiencing the menopause feel comfortable asking for the help they need to manage their symptoms.’