Supporting Staff Through Perimenopause

Introduction

Perimenopause is a transitional phase that typically * occurs in women between the ages of 40 and 50, leading up to menopause. During this time, those born with ovaries may experience a range of physical, emotional, and mental symptoms due to fluctuating hormone levels. Symptoms can include hot flushes, fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, sleep disturbances, and more. These changes can significantly impact well-being and, consequently, performance at work. It’s important to offer support during this time to ensure that staff feel valued and understood, while also maintaining a productive and harmonious work environment.

Here are some practical steps you can take to help staff experiencing perimenopause:

Foster a Supportive and Open Environment

Perimenopause can feel like a sensitive and personal issue, so creating an environment where staff feel safe discussing it is essential. You could signpost staff to the range of helpful websites below or provide awareness training about perimenopause to all your staff. This helps demystify the topic and reduces stigma.

Make Physical Workspace Adjustments

Simple adjustments in the workplace can make a significant difference in improving comfort for staff experiencing perimenopause. Since hot flushes are one of the most common symptoms, ensuring that the physical environment is comfortable is important. Ensuring there is access to fans or allowing easy control over the temperature will be much appreciated. You might even consider reviewing dress codes to allow for more comfortable, breathable clothing options.

Encourage Mental Health Support

Perimenopause can impact mental well-being, leading to increased anxiety, depression, or mood swings. Emotional support is just as important as physical accommodations, so encouraging access to healthcare services is key. Encourage staff to take advantage of mindfulness or stress management programs that are available through North Tyneside Council. Offer empathy and patience if staff seem less emotionally available or show signs of stress.

Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance

The challenges of perimenopause can be exacerbated by excessive workloads and stress. As a headteacher, ensuring that staff are not overburdened and have a manageable workload can help them maintain a better balance between work and their personal lives. Be mindful of distributing tasks and set realistic deadlines. Why not lead by example by promoting work-life balance and taking steps to prevent stress in your own routine, which shows staff that their well-being is a priority.

Useful websites and resources

Menopause symptom checker - https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/

Variety of fact sheets from Woman's Health Concern - WHC factsheets and other helpful resources - Women's Health Concern (womens-health-concern.org)

Things you can do to help with symptoms - NHS - Menopause - Things you can do - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Many staff within North Tyneside Council are Menopause Champions and would be happy to talk to you or your team – contact Janice Gibson for more information.

Conclusion

Managing staff through perimenopause requires a combination of empathy, flexibility, and proactive support. By fostering a supportive environment, offering reasonable adjustments, and encouraging open communication, managers can help ease the challenges that perimenopausal employees face. Creating a menopause-friendly school not only benefits the individual employee but also promotes overall staff well-being and productivity. A compassionate and understanding approach ensures that staff can continue to thrive during this significant life stage.

* There is no set age for perimenopause and no time limit on how long it will last.