Menopause Toolkit for Women
University of Aberdeen
By Linda Engles CPsychol
In my role at the University of Aberdeen, I am incredibly lucky to wear two very different but related hats; one is supervising a PhD project on menopause and the other is the chair of the Staff Menopause Network.
The research project has been fully funded by the university, highlighting their commitment to progressing menopause related research. The project aims to develop a psychologically informed toolkit to support women experiencing perimenopause and menopause, to remain in the workplace.
The number of women who leave work due to menopause symptoms is currently around 1 in 10. This means that there is a huge loss of talent from our workplaces and women’s capacity to earn is also negatively impacted.
The research aims are to create a toolkit for women which is informed by women’s experiences of menopause. It is also important that the toolkit is tested to determine its efficacy. As women represent 50% of our workforce, it is vital that we create applied solutions which can better support women to remain in the workplace during this often challenging life stage.
From an organisational perspective the university of Aberdeen has been at the forefront of raising awareness of menopause. It was the first higher education institution to produce a menopause policy. This has helped provide clarity and guidance for staff and line managers on inclusive adjustments for example. Guidance documents have been developed to support managers. There are template documents to facilitate discussions and advice sheets. There has also been in person and online training which emphasises the investment the university has made to increase awareness of menopause.
The university of Aberdeen has led the way in putting measures in place to support employees across the institution. For instance a member of our senior leadership team created a short video to share her own experiences of menopause at work. This has gone a long way to developing a more open culture in speaking about menopause.
Video of Debbie Dyker, Director of People and Willie Tocher, Health and Safety Adviser, talking about their menopause workplace experiences.
The university also established a staff menopause network, of which I am the chair, and which currently supports approximately 100 members.
Being the current chair of University of Aberdeen Staff Menopause Network is a huge honour for me. I get the chance to spend time with the most amazing and supportive women. It has been so important for me to create a safe space for women to share their experiences of menopause at work and for them to know that they are not going through it alone. I have arranged some fun events including chair yoga and Pilates. I have arranged for experts speak to us about nutrition, the benefits of weightlifting and mindfulness, with events on imposter syndrome and the benefits of herbs to come. I use my role to raise awareness of menopause across our institution and educate all staff that this not just a ‘woman problem’. I aim to highlight the impact menopause symptoms e.g. brain fog, persistent fatigue and hot flushes has on women’s ability to function effectively in the workplace. And also, to emphasise ways that colleagues can provide support.