Why Do Companies Need a Trained Menopause Coach?
Being Menopause savvy is a vital part of HR, diversity, wellbeing, inclusion and belonging in any company. As women work later into life and in increasingly senior roles, menopause is a topic that requires awareness, training and support.
Why The Menopause Matters
Companies and employers without menopause awareness training may notice decreased productivity and find their female employees asking to be demoted or move into sideways roles. In fact, it has been found that 47% of women consider leaving their jobs, and 12% simply leave when faced with the menopause.
A recent UK parliamentary report asked women about the most important things employers could do to support employees experiencing menopause. A number of themes emerged as to what respondents wanted their employers to do.
A number of respondents wanted to see a greater understanding of the menopause and its impact on the workplace, whilst many pointed to the need for managers to receive training.
The report found the following themes employees wanted their employers to address:
Have open space for discussion
Have policies in place
Provide flexibility
Provide education
Support cultural changes
Develop support networks
How Training Can Benefit Businesses
There are several excellent reasons for any company to have a trained menopause coach on the staff. As an employer, training will allow you to:
Attract and retain female talent - women age 50+ are the fastest-growing economically active demographic in the UK.
Improve wellbeing and morale, in turn boosting performance, productivity and employee engagement
Promote inclusivity and belonging - make your company a great place to work
Contribute to the aspiration of 50% of roles being held by women
Help reduce the gender pay gap
Managing the effects of menopause at work is important for both employees and staff members.
As one professional recently put it after completing their training as a Menopause Coach:
“I really felt competent to help my colleagues. I'd always listened to my colleagues, but never felt 'qualified'. to help. Now I am clearer on what I can do, I'm much more confident helping others”
Oki, 47, Head of D&I, Global Derivatives company
Having a staff member trained in supporting colleagues going through menopause at work, whether for themselves or a team member, will help your company flourish as an inclusive workplace. Find out more, below.
Lauren Chiren is the Founder of Women of a Certain Stage. Her work enables top executives to maintain peak performance throughout their menopause and educates large employers, helping them implement systems to retain and ensure top talent flourishes.
