International spotlight on NUH's pioneering approach to menopause in the workplace | Latest news

The pioneering approach of Nottingham hospitals in helping employees manage the menopause could have an international impact, thanks to a fact-finding mission from Denmark, where there are growing calls to better protect the rights of workers in this often-neglected area.

Danish journalist Dorte Mosbæk visited Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) earlier this year to find out more about the Trust’s approach, which earned it the first-ever Menopause Friendly Employer Accreditation in 2021 and established it as a trailblazer for other Trusts to follow suit.

Every daily newspaper in Denmark carried Dorte’s interviews and linked to her wider report, Menopause in the Labour Market, which she hopes will help bring about change in a country where the needs of menopausal workers are largely disregarded. In the UK – with more than 5 million working women aged 45-59 – around a quarter of organisations have a menopause policy.*

Dorte’s report involved 3,300 female health workers aged 45-55. It found that two out of three were affected – primarily negatively – by the menopause; only 13% of those had talked to their managers about it.

The impact of the menopause can be significant. Symptoms fluctuate, meaning different levels of adjustments and support may be needed at different times based on an individual’s needs, but include poor concentration and memory, low mood, decreased confidence, and fatigue/disturbed sleep.

Around 75% of the almost 20,000 employees at NUH are women, and 24% of those are aged 45 to 55 years old. NUH set up a Menopause Working Group in 2019 in response to enquiries from staff; and its Perimenopause and Menopause Policy was approved a year later.

“We were bombarded with inquiries from employees who were struggling with menopause or from managers who didn't know how to help,” said Jenny Good, NUH Staff Wellbeing Lead.

“Managers wanted some kind of approval to support employees, so they knew what they could and couldn’t do. Five years ago, menopause was still a taboo, and many were unsure if they were allowed to bring up the subject at all. There are clear policies for sick leave, but managers were unsure how they could support their employees within the existing framework.”

NUH has various initiatives for those in the perimenopause or menopause, and those trying to support them, including lighter weight menopause uniforms, CBT/yoga/dietitian sessions, training for managers, and Menopause Ambassadors.

Jackie Bradshaw is a paediatric nurse and a Menopause Ambassador. She told Dorte how crucial support is to enable women to keep working.

“Some women have such severe symptoms that they cannot function without support,” said Jackie. “If we can ensure that they get the help they need, we can prevent unnecessary sick leave or, in the worst case, dismissals.”

Jenny agreed that it was a whole-Trust issue: “Menopause is not just a women’s problem. Everyone has a mum, partner, sister, colleague, friend who experiences it. That’s why we also have male menopause ambassadors and dedicated training.”

NUH’s approach also ties into its People First strategic approach to recruitment and retention.

“Colleagues in the perimenopause or menopause are often our most-experienced employees that we cannot afford to lose,” said Jenny. “We want to retain these talented employees and make it attractive for new employees to choose us as a workplace. If we can offer support, it makes a difference.”

Dorte’s report and interviews are being promoted nationally by the Din Sundhedsfaglige A-kasse, a healthcare workers’ insurance fund, in a bid to bring about change in the country’s laws and offer menopausal and perimenopausal women greater protection and support in the workplace.

Nottingham’s approach is considered gold standard in the UK. “We have decreased the taboo around menopause but we’re aware there is still lots of work to do - and we are committed to ensuring this happens,” said Jenny.

More information

Menopause Support non-profit company has created a Menopause Support Booklet, reviewed by clinicians, including a symptom-checker tool. NHS England’s Menopause e-learning resource is also a good source of information.

*Breaking the menopause taboo to improve the working world for women

Interview with Jenny Good and Jackie Bradshaw (click at the top to translate into English).