Employers do not feel equipped to support menopausal women
A recent survey commissioned by Acas, has revealed that 33% of employers feel unprepared when it comes to supporting women who are going through the menopause.
Acas commissioned YouGov to ask British employers two questions:
- how well equipped do you feel in supporting your female employees going through the menopause; and
- how confident do you feel that managers within your organisation have the necessary skills to support these employees?
The results of the poll carried out by YouGov were that while 46% of employers felt that they were well equipped and were confident that their managers had the necessary skills to support women with symptoms of menopause; a worrying 36% considered that they were either not that well equipped or not equipped at all, and 37% lacked confidence in their managers. 21% of employers did not know if they were well equipped to support their female staff.
The symptoms of menopause can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to perform as usual in the workplace, and it’s therefore perhaps not surprising that Acas’ advice is that menopause is a health and wellbeing concern for staff. Employers that deal with the issue sensitively and create an open, supportive environment around the menopause can help affected staff to continue to perform their roles confidently and effectively.
Acas advises that employers develop a menopause policy that explains how the menopause can affect people differently and what support is available, and that this is backed up by training of managers on how to deal with these issues sensitively and fairly.
How can our employment lawyers help you with menopause issues in the workplace?
If you would like a menopause policy drawn up or require any other advice on how to address these issues in your business, please contact Marie Allen of Gotelee Solicitors LLP on 01473 298133 or by email at marie.allen@gotelee.co.uk.
