Supporting Others

Take this quiz to find out some key facts about menopause and the workplace.

You may find this Line manager toolkit from Canada Life useful too.

Top tips for Managers:

■ Promote supportive conversations about the menopause and its effects with sensitivity.
■ Recognise that every experience of the menopause will be individual.
■ Consider any changes impacting performance, attendance, or behaviour.
■ Provide dedicated time and quiet space for 1:1s

■ Promote avenues of support, signposting
and links to organisational resources such as flexible working, special leave, and any changes to the working environment that you can facilitate.
■ Provide information on specific health and well-being services.
■ Promote a culture and environment that values diversity, shows dignity, respect, fairness, and
equality.
■ Do not tolerate or express what you consider to be ‘workplace banter’.
■ Be aware most cisgender women (and some trans, non-binary and intersex colleagues) will experience a menopause; find out more here.
■ Short notice leave of absence may be required to manage exacerbation of symptoms; lengthy
periods of back-to-back meetings may need built-in comfort breaks if heavy bleeding is
experienced.
■ Work with the colleague to consider physical working areas that minimise the distress they may suffer – considering, for instance, access to ventilation and private space when needed.

Difficult conversations

Knowing how to start a difficult conversation and then handle it sensitively, attentively, repectfully and mindfully can really help someone to open up.

These Talking Points flashcards are a great resource.