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health
safety
staff
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Menopause Policy
Menopause is the time during an individual’s life when menstruation periods permanently stop and an individual experiences hormonal changes. It is deemed as occurring when the individual has experienced no periods for 12 consecutive months and no other biological or psychological cause can be identified. However, menopausal symptoms can begin months or years before periods stop and this stage is known as the perimenopause e. According to the NHS website symptoms last around four years after an individual’s last period, although some can experience them for much longer.
The purpose of this policy is to provide details of how the nursery will support our staff who may be experiencing issues as a result of symptoms of the menopause. We aim to create a culture that encourages discussions to take place about any matters associated with the menopause and to create supportive working environment. Employee responsibilities All employees should contribute to a respectful working environment and be willing to support colleagues who may be experiencing the menopause. It is important that employees talk openly with their line manager if they need support with menopausal symptoms. All employees are responsible for: Taking personal responsibility to look after their health Being open and honest in conversations with managers Contributing to a respectful and productive working environment Being willing to help and support their colleagues Understanding any necessary adjustments their colleagues are receiving as a result of their menopausal symptoms. During any discussions, your manager will consider your individual situation and evaluate if any adjustments can be made. Your individual needs will be addressed sensitively and confidentiality will be maintained. Employer responsibilities Managers are responsible for: Ensuring that no one experiences less favorable treatment as a result of the menopause Ensuring that any conversations are kept strictly confidential Putting in place any required support and/or adjustments where reasonably possible Recording any agreements made. When responding to an employee experiencing dificulties caused by menopause, managers will maintain an open-door policy so that employees feel comfortable in approaching them. They will support staff to talk openly about their current situation and will not make presumptions about how it is affecting them. Workplace adjustments As with any longstanding health-related condition, sympathetic and appropriate support from the nursery is crucial to provide employees with the support that they need. Above all, it is important to listen to individuals and respond sympathetically to any requests for adjustments at work. There are numerous symptoms of the menopause that can affect an individual both physically and mentally. The menopause affects individuals in different ways and symptoms can start during the perimenopause and last for many years. Some of the more common symptoms include: Hot flushes Difficulty sleeping Fatigue Headaches Low mood or anxiety Problems with memory or concentration Anxiety Heavy and/or painful periods Panic attacks. The following options are available to any employee who may be experiencing menopausal symptoms, depending on the needs of the individual and the business needs of the nursery. Available support Employees are encouraged to inform their line manager at an early stage if they are experiencing menopausal symptoms that could affect their work to ensure that symptoms are treated as an ongoing health issue rather than as individual instances of ill health. Early notification will also help line managers to determine the most appropriate course of action to support an employee’s individual needs. Employees who do not wish to discuss the issue with their direct line manager may find it helpful to have an initial discussion with a trusted colleague or another manager instead. Employees and managers may find external sources of help and support useful including the following: Information about the menopause, menopausal symptoms and treatment options. (https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/) Support for women experiencing premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency (https://www.daisynetwork.org/) Information about events where strangers gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss the menopause (https://www.menopausecafe.net/)
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