13 million women in the UK go through the menopause. It is crucial to address menopause at the workplace, as it can have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of employees. Employers have a legal and moral duty to ensure employees have the support they need, foster a positive culture, and ensure the correct adjustments are being made. An essential part of the support required is conducting a menopause wellbeing assessment.

What is a menopause wellbeing assessment?

A menopause wellbeing assessment is vital to assess the physical and mental symptoms the employee is experiencing, and to ensure employers retain staff while maintaining productivity. A menopause wellbeing assessment addresses concerns such as symptoms of hot flushes, uneven sleeping pattern, anxiety and fatigue. This can have a significant impact on confidence, concentration and performance at the workplace.

Conducting a menopause wellbeing assessment addresses the concerns of symptoms and ensures correct implementation of changes such as controlling the temperature in the workplace, and ensuring flexible hours. It can also help boost confidence, as symptoms are managed effectively without the need to hiding the effects are taking time off. It also ensures employees stay within the business, maintaining their careers and feel comfortable coming into work.

Without the right support, a lot of women could end up leaving the job roles, resulting in a smaller workforce.

What needs to be included in a menopause wellbeing assessment?

There are certain key elements employers need to consider when conducting a menopause wellbeing assessment, such as:

• Temperature control and adequate ventilation.

• Ensuring appropriate uniform and workwear.

• Having adequate welfare facilities such as restrooms to allow for more frequent breaks.

• Implementing flexible working hours.

• Ensuring workload and tasks are manageable

• Workstations are conveniently located near adequate ventilation.

Alongside a menopause policy, a menopause wellbeing assessment can provide extra support.

How can employers provide additional support?

Employers need to ensure they foster a positive working culture, by providing training and support. This could include training on how to conduct sensitive and confidential conversations for employees going through the menopause. Additionally, further training of awareness helps maintain a better understanding of the symptoms, what employees with the menopause are experiencing and reduce stigma.

Employers are also advised to have an initial one-to-one private conversation with the employee experience menopause. This also helps plan for an effective menopause wellbeing assessment.

Menopause can fluctuate as symptoms can change. Ensuring an update menopause wellbeing assessment is essential and should be reviewed regularly.

Alongside a menopause policy, a menopause wellbeing assessment can provide extra support - access yours now.

Legal duties for employers

By conducting a menopause wellbeing assessment, employers demonstrate they are compliant with current health and safety legislation.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 ensures employers identify hazards, implements control measures to reduce or eliminate the risks, and renew menopause wellbeing assessments either if something in the employee’s circumstance has changed, or on a yearly basis. Employers have a legal duty to ensure risks are assessed and reasonable adjustments are being made.

Download your free menopause wellbeing assessment now

Our health and safety experts have created a free menopause wellbeing assessment to be used in your business, alongside our menopause policy - they will help you to provide ongoing support. d your employees.

If you need any further advice or have any other health and safety questions, we are here to help. Contact our expert Health & Safety advice team today.

Peninsula clients also get access to 24/7 Health & Safety consultation for workplace Health & Safety requirements. And if you are not yet a client, you can still enjoy free advice from one of our business experts. Simply call us on 0800 158 2313.