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Gemma O'Connor , Head Of Service
(Last updated )
Gemma O'Connor , Head Of Service
(Last updated )
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Most women – seven in ten, to be precise – expect their workplace to have a menopause policy in place. Meanwhile, only a small percentage (18%) of businesses do, according to recent statistics.
Menopause is a natural part of life for many women. Indeed, in 2022 it was estimated that nearly 600,000 people were affected by menopause at any one time in Ireland.
With the average age of retirement increasing, it's important for employers to acknowledge their employees’ lived reality with an inclusive working environment and supportive measures, which could include a menopause policy.
In this article, we detail how menopause affects women in the workplace and how employers can support them through this time.
Menopause is typically thought of as beginning when the menstrual cycle stops for more than twelve consecutive months. However, perimenopausal symptoms can be felt from up to 6 years prior to the onset of menopause.
Menopausal symptoms can be both mental and physical, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
Signs of menopause can include:
For those who experience menopause, symptoms are not always the same and often vary from person to person.
While there are no laws in Ireland that place specific protection for employees experiencing menopause, they are still protected under the Employment Equality Act (2015).
Under this law, employees have a legal right to be treated fairly. You cannot discriminate against employees on the basis of any of the following protected characteristics:
If an employee feels they have been discriminated against on the basis of one of the above grounds, they are entitled to seek enforcement of equal treatment.
There are no specific Health & Safety measures for employers to include in risk assessments which cover menopause. The normal statutory duties under the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 apply.
Risk assessments should nonetheless consider the needs of any women who might be experiencing menopausal symptoms. Employers can consider making workplace adjustments to ensure the work environment isn’t aggravating any symptoms being experienced by menopausal staff.
Some workplace adjustments for employers to consider include:
Menopause can be a difficult time, and a written menopause policy can help affected employees feel supported and heard by their employer.
What does a menopause policy achieve?
There are also some procedures that can be implemented that can support both employers and employees. They include:
As an employer, you are obliged to establish a workplace that is inclusive and supportive of your employees' health.
Chances are that menopause is a fact of life for more than one of your employees. By having relevant policies and procedures in place, you will foster a supportive work environment which encourages open conversation among staff.
At Peninsula, we offer expert guidance for employers on how they can best support their employees, no matter their circumstances. Call an expert today on .
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