Intended for:
These Menopause at Work Training Course Materials are suitable for participants that would benefit from a raised awareness of the menopause, how it affects people at work and the impact it can have on the individual and the business. The aim of the course materials is to help create a culture of openness around the topic of menopause, in the hope that it will help reduce the impact that the menopause can have on the career of those who experience it.
The materials are not just aimed at women and are intended to be used to educate everyone in the workplace, as we all have a role to play in reducing the stigma and secrecy that often surrounds the menopause.
Training course contents:
Menopause is a natural biological process that many women will go through to different degrees. While menopause is a normal part of aging, it can also be a challenging time for many women, particularly in the workplace.
The symptoms of menopause can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life and how she performs her job, when reasonable adjustments are not considered. Furthermore, women may feel uncomfortable discussing their symptoms with their co-workers or managers, leading to feelings of isolation and stigma.
These course materials explore the physical and emotional changes that women experience during menopause, and how these changes can impact their work performance. It also covers strategies for managing menopausal symptoms in the workplace, including accommodations that employers can make to support people through the process.
By the end of this course, your participants will have a better understanding of menopause, its impact on the workplace, and practical tools to support both women going through this transition and other people in the workplace.
Why is running this menopause at work course a good idea?
Well, just imagine if your participants were better able to:
- Understand the menopause and how it can affect people both physically and psychologically
- Identify the impact that menopause has on women at work
- Establish the protections that people experiencing the menopause should have under the law
- Understand the simple workplace adjustments that can be made that have a big effect
- Appreciate why an effective culture around the menopause can improve the workplace
- Have conversations with employees to better understand their requirements
Samples of training course materials
Please click on image for larger view…
The main content of the training course material…
Intro & Session Objectives – Setting the scene and establishing the contents of the training session
Section 1 – What is the Menopause?
What is the Menopause? – Helping participants understand the three stages of the menopause through an activity and highlighting that each woman’s experience will be different
Who Does the Menopause Affect Directly? – Touching on who is directly affected by the menopause
Who Might the Menopause Affect Indirectly? – Understanding the impact that the menopause can have on people around the person directly experiencing it and why it is consequently something we should all be concerned about
When do people experience the menopause? – Looking at some potential timelines for the menopause
What are the Symptoms of the Menopause? – An in-depth review of all of the potential symptoms of the menopause and the impact these can have on someone. Knowing that nothing is ‘typical’
Some Figures – Exploring data around the menopause to realise the reality of its affects
Section 2 – Menopause and Work
Menopause Symptoms at Work – Exploring the physical, psychological and workplace impact that the menopause has on people
The Menopause and Employment – Facts about the menopause in the workplace and what that means
The Business Case – An activity that explores how an organisation would benefit by supporting employees through their menopause
Menopause and the Law – Examining the two main pieces of legislation that relate to the menopause are the Equality Act 2010 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (this can be left out or altered where not relevant)
Risk Assessments – Watching a video that explains how a workplace risk assessment would take place for menopause
Reasonable Adjustments – Identifying and reviewing the adjustments and alterations that can be made at work to make the menopause more comfortable for women and improve their working life
Reasonable Adjustments – Flexibility – Appreciating how you can adapt how someone works to support them during the menopause – this might include elements like flexible working, altering roles etc.
Supporting Menopausal Employees – Ensuring participants understand their responsibilities regarding providing support
Menopausal Policy – What it is, why it’s important and typical contents. If the organisation has a policy, then this will be reviewed. Where they do not, the importance of implementing one is highlighted and a framework is developed
The Menopause Affects the Whole Organisation – Taking a business-wide view of implementing a culture of openness around the menopause. Establishing key actions that can be taken to achieve this.
Section 3 – Talking About the Menopause
Talking About the Menopause – Advice on the different support networks there are and how these can be accessed
What Can Managers and Team Leaders Do? – Clear guidance on what managers and team leaders need to do to support staff through the different stages of the menopause
Rate Your Knowledge – An exercise that asks participants to consider their current understanding of menopause topics and how they can improve
Tips for Having Effective Conversations – Step by step advice on how to have a conversation with an employee about the menopause while being sensitive and sincere
Next Steps – Creating an action plan to take back to the workplace. This is things they could do to break the taboo, normalise conversations around menopause, and make change happen in their organisation
Objectives:
At the end of this Menopause at Work training course, your participants will be able to:
- Explain the menopause and who it directly and indirectly affects
- Describe the ways in which supporting employees through their menopause can benefit both individuals and the organisation
- Recognise how risk assessments support menopausal employees
- Create actions and activities that can educate employees about the menopause and change the workplace culture
- Recognise the knowledge and skills needed by managers to support staff through the different stages of the menopause
