Menopause at Work: Kind Ways to Support a Colleague (What to Say & Small Gestures)

Even in this day and age, menopause at work can be a taboo subject, especially in the office and is rarely openly discussed. However, it’s an issue that will affect 50% of the workforce at some point in their career, so isn’t it worth investing a bit of time and effort into learning how to help those affected, rather than sweeping it under the rug? Of the 2000 menopausal women in the workforce interviewed for a government report, 84% say their symptoms negatively impact them, and 6% of those actually leave work as a result so the impact can be incredibly serious. 

Most ‘menopause at work’ articles focus on HR policies and company regulations, but this article is for the human soul: to help you, as a caring and empathetic friend / colleague support the woman in the office who’s obviously struggling and not quite themselves.

Why Peer Support Matters

The 84% of women interviewed above, who were negatively affected by menopause symptoms at work, reduces to 71% when they are supported by colleagues and superiors. Despite this, only 24% said they were aware of their company having a menopause support at work policy. This is where you can come in! Not because you should do the job of your organisation or offer medical advice, but because you’re human, you care about those around you and when one person feels better, the happiness spreads! It’s within your power to make somebody feel seen and understood rather than letting them struggle on silently.

Common Menopause Symptoms at Work

Like anything that messes with your hormones, the list of symptoms is endless but to help your awareness, here is a list of some of the common ones and ways you might recognise them at work:

·       Hot flushes - is everyone else freezing and she’s in a T-shirt? Or is she fine one minute and sweaty the next?

·       Brain fog – forgetting updates you’ve had during meetings or needing extra reminders

·       Exhaustion – a common menopause symptom is disturbed sleep or even full-blown insomnia, extra coffees or flagging in the afternoon

·       Mood swings – is she irritable when she used to be patient? Or stressed when she used to be calm?

·       Low self-esteem / confidence – due to a drop in hormones (and various other factors) confidence takes a hit, so she might ask you to double-check her work more often

Remember that everybody’s experience is different, don’t assume you know what she’s going through. Doing your research will make you more prepared, if you’d like to read more about menopause symptoms check out the NHS website: Menopause - Symptoms - NHS

What NOT to Say… and Better Alternatives

Wow you’re sweaty! Try ‘oh you must be uncomfortable, I’m happy to cover you for a few minutes if you’d like to go and cool off’.

My mum went through that, she was fine. Try ‘I can’t imagine how you must feel, is there anything I can do to help?’

I told you that on the phone. Try ‘I mentioned it the other day, but I’ll just send it written down too so we both have a reminder’

Cheer up, it can’t be that bad! It can be that bad… don’t assume you know how somebody’s feeling. Try ‘Would you like a cuppa?’ or ‘I got you this little pick-me-up gift’

 Scripts You Can Actually Use

It can be hard to know the right thing to say, so if you’re really struggling use these handy conversation starters or helpful phrases to get you going in the right direction and keep conversation light-hearted!

·       I’m around if you need to step out of the meeting – I’ve got you!

·       Would you like a cold drink? I won’t tell anybody if you adjust the thermostat!

·       When you’re having a bad day I’m here if you need to vent, just give me the signal!

·       What can I do to help today?

 Creating a Supportive Environment at Work

Just a few practical ideas for managers and colleagues to make the day-to-day a little easier in the office for those who may need it:

·       Offer flexibility e.g. moveable meeting times, option to have the camera off or throw to a colleague if caught at a bad time

·       Be understanding about the environment, if it isn’t detrimental to others allow employees to open and close windows, adjust the thermostat to a reasonable level or have individual desk fans

·       Avoid scheduling big deadlines back-to-back. As far as possible, try to keep work-stress to a sensible level, if she was a super-woman before, she will be again, as long as she isn’t made to believe she’s ‘lost it’

·       Normalise breaks without judgement! This is actually beneficial to all employees, not just those going through menopause. An office where it is perfectly acceptable to interrupt sedentary time and go for a wander, gives the body, brain and eyesight a break and can do wonders for overall employee health

If you are a manager looking to better support colleagues during menopause, something as simple as regular reminders that the door is open to discuss practical and emotional support needs for all employees will do wonders for wellness!

 Small Gestures that Go a Long Way

Sometimes the best thing you can do to help is just to give the gift of a little pick-me-up to keep the smiles and giggles going throughout the workday! Try these work-friendly menopause gifts from the Laughing Sisters:

·       Ladies Donut Worry Socks and Hot Stuff Bamboo Socks – If you’re going for uplifting and funny with just a hint of sass, these socks should do the trick! Plus, they’re on our 3 for £18 deal so you can get a pair too!

·       Menopause Crystal Bracelet and Be You Silver Lightning Bolt Earrings – Everybody loves jewellery, it’s the perfect beautiful, thoughtful and supportive gift.

·       The Self Love Mug – Given that she probably hasn’t had a good nights sleep in a few months, her trips to the kettle have probably tripled in number! This mug will remind her of how fantastic she is every single time!

·       Memory of a goldfish A5 Paperback Notebook and Easily Distracted Recycled Eco Ballpoint Pen – Menopause gifts with a sense of humour because it probably isn’t lost on her that a touch of brain fog is setting in, if you know her well enough to know that she’ll find it funny then commit to the laughs!

·       Menopause… What the F*ck? Dish Towel and I Have Some Questions About Menopause Card – OK so these might be for her to take home… but they’re hilariously funny and real! So if you’re lucky enough to have a colleague as your bestie go for full on sass!

 Resources You Can Share

Sometimes all you can do to help somebody struggling with menopause at work is to send them to somebody who knows better than you, or send an uplifting gift, obviously! The following websites can be really helpful:

·       Menopause and the workplace | NHS inform

·       Coping with Menopause at Work | Menopause Care

·       Kick Off the Conversation: Supporting a Colleague Through Menopause - The Menopause Charity

·       Mood Lifting Menopause Gifts– Laughing Sisters

Menopause at work doesn’t need to be taboo, and the HR policy is the company’s responsibility. Yours is to be the best friend or colleague you can be while somebody needs support! If you’ve found this blog post helpful please share it with friends or colleagues.

Remember to send the gift of a giggle by browsing our full collection. If you sign up to our email list you get 10% off your first order and FREE delivery when you spend over £30.

Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest for more thoughtful gift ideas and to generally see us make a fool of ourselves for your entertainment!

Lots of love,

Natalie & Steph

The Laughing Sisters