From the employee’s perspective
It is not uncommon for women to not notice or brush aside physical and psychological changes, particularly if they live hectic lives both in the workplace and at home (First in the Queue, 2020). They may also ascribe the changes to anything but early signs of menopause and continue to struggle without reflecting on what might be happening.
Although a universal experience, it is essential to acknowledge that each person’s experience is unique, and presentations may, for example, point to fatigue, depression, or anxiety rather than an acceptance that it could be perimenopause (see Figure 1). This can often find an individual following a particular course of action, which may not fully address their needs or risks.
For example, in the workplace, an employee may inexplicably start to find work challenging and stressful. Over time they may become sensitive to the fact that their work performance is dropping off and this may have been noticed and commented upon by colleagues and managers. This can lead to a cycle of anxiety, a loss of confidence, and possible dismissal or resignation in unresolved situations.
Research also suggests that many employees do not disclose their menopausal symptoms to their employers. It is also not unusual for those working through menopausal symptoms not to tell their organisations the real reason for any absences from work.
This non-disclosure may be for the following reasons:
- Embarrassment
- Considered a private matter
- Avoidance of embarrassing another colleague or manager
- Lack of solid professional relationship with line manager
- Line manager is a man
- Line manager is considered too young to understand
- Line manager perceived as being unsympathetic
- Symptoms not treated seriously
- Others might find out
- Job security and prospects damaged
- Judged as less capable
- Unaware that they are going through menopause
If an employee does not get the help and support they need, for whatever reason, the effects of menopause can likely, for example, lead to them:
- Feeling unwell for long periods
- Losing confidence in their work performance
- Suffering additional mental ill-health, e.g. stress, anxiety and depression
- Leaving their job