Menopause at work is more than a personal health matter. October is World Menopause Month, with World Menopause Day on 18 October – a crucial reminder that menopause at work is a business-critical equality issue that affects everybody.
Menopause at Work: The UK Reality
Around 5.5 million women aged 45–60 are currently working in the UK, and all of these will experience menopause.
A 2025 government review found that menopause symptoms such as brain fog, sleep disruption, and anxiety can reduce workplace performance, costing the UK economy £1.5 billion in lost productivity and unemployment. It estimates that there are approximately 60,000 women not in the workplace due to menopause or perimenopause.
Unsurprisingly, employment tribunal claims mentioning menopause have climbed sharply (from 64 in 2022 to over 200 in 2025) as staff challenge workplaces that fail to provide reasonable support.
In one high-profile case, Allison Shearer v South Lanarkshire Council, a teacher was awarded more than £60,000 after being dismissed when a proposed transfer threatened to worsen her menopausal symptoms. Other rulings have delivered similar pay outs, where managers ignored the need for reasonable adjustments.
The message is simple: failing to support staff going through menopause could amount to sex, age or disability discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
Menopause Support at Work: New Legislation, Higher Expectations
The forthcoming Employment Rights Bill, passed in October 2024, will soon require large employers (250+ staff) to publish Equality Action Plans setting out how they address gender pay gaps and support employees experiencing menopause.
Key dates relating to the implemetnation of the Employment Rights Bill:
- Voluntary adoption: from April 2026
- Mandatory compliance: expected April 2027
Smaller organisations will receive official guidance, but tribunals already expect reasonable adjustments today.
This shift signals the government has made it clear that workplace equality will be measured by results, not words.
Beyond Menopause: Women’s Health
Menopause awareness in the workplace is opening broader conversations about women’s health including perimenopause and menstruation – topics that, like menopause, have long carried unnecessary stigma. Employers that embrace these discussions are setting a new standard of inclusion, where empathy and action can replace silence and discomfort.
Forward-thinking organisations aren’t waiting for deadlines. They are training their employees and managers, introducing flexible hours and workplace adaptations, and including menopause and women’s health in wellbeing policies.
Why Menopause Awareness Training Is Essential
Menopause awareness training equips managers and colleagues to recognise challenges, start sensitive conversations, and provide effective support. By acting proactively, organisations can retain experienced employees, improve productivity, and create a genuinely inclusive workplace.
Our Menopause Awareness Course, developed with menopause experts, equips your workforce to:
- Understand menopause – from stages and symptoms to common misconceptions.
- Address menopause impact in the workplace – learn how symptoms affect performance and what adjustments can actually help.
- Start menopause conversations at work – guidance for managers and colleagues to talk about menopause openly and sensitively.
- Provide real support – a comprehensive section on self-care, medical and non-medical options and how to assist colleagues, friends or family members.
This course will help your organisation to demonstrate commitment to equality, improve employee wellbeing, and embed menopause awareness into everyday workplace culture. Don’t wait until problems arise and then react – being proactive now will start building a culture of understanding, reducing legal risk, and supporting every employee to thrive.
World Menopause Month: Take Action
Investing in online menopause awareness training helps employers support staff experiencing menopause at work. You’ll show evidence-based commitment to equality and be ready well before compliance becomes law.
Include our Menopause Awareness Course as part of the training for all your staff and start creating a truly inclusive workplace today. It’s available immediately, online, and is easy to access at your convenience.