Read: Break down the stigma, break down the barriers – transforming the workplace for women

Breaking down the barriers that women can face at work is a crucial part of making the most of our workforce and ensuring that everyone has access to opportunity.  

Removing the stigma on the menopause and the symptoms that many are dealing with at work, including severe brain fog, heavy periods, migraine, sweating, extreme fatigue and joint pain, is key to making positive progress. Its impact extends far beyond the physical - to their mental health, financial resilience and good work-life balance. That all affects their productivity, performance, retention and morale of female employees. But less than 25 per cent of women say their employer currently has a menopause policy in place, or any other support. That is taking its toll. About 17 per cent of women between the ages of 40 and 60 say they have considered leaving work altogether as a result.

Without action, businesses will pay the price of a disaffected workforce so it makes sense for them to be in the driving seat for change. The Purpose Coalition has been working with leading businesses, universities, NHS Trusts and other organisations to encourage genuine employee engagement and to make menopause-friendly policies an integral part of their health and wellbeing strategies. Many already recognise the difference that can make and have put in place a range of initiatives that are aimed at understanding the challenges women face and supporting their employees through the physical and mental health impacts of the menopause. These can be awareness sessions where women can talk openly about the challenges they face which can help both male and female colleagues, including managers, better understand how that can affect their work. Employers can also make simple adjustments to the way that they work to help women cope at difficult times.  

Working collaboratively with businesses as well as cross-party with MPs and Ministers, the Purpose Coalition’s work is helping to move the menopause up the business agenda. Sharing examples of our partners’ best practice helps other organisations to consider the steps they can put in place, however small, that can make a difference in their own workplaces. This week, for example,  we held a roundtable in Westminster to mark World Menopause Day with Mims Davies, Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression and DWP Menopause Champion, Helen Tomlinson, where Chair of the Coalition, Rt Hon Justine Greening, was joined by law firm Shoosmiths, financial services company Virgin Money and energy company Centrica. That followed a similar event at the Labour Party Conference with Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health which discussed the need for change in the workplace.

The Purpose Coalition also provides a range of menopause employee engagement services, including bringing business leaders together with policymakers at events such as the one held this week, developing bespoke menopause action plans and employee engagement campaigns. Chaired by Justine Greening, former Women and Equalities Minister and Anne Milton, former Minister for Public Health, they benefit from their wide personal experience and expertise in women’s issues, including gender equality and women’s health. The work they are engaged in with the Purpose Coalition, exploring how businesses can make a positive social impact and deliver opportunity for everyone, is a natural fit with the need to change the conversation for women in the workplace.

Breaking down the barriers that menopause can put in the way of so many women in the workplace makes sense. With around 4.6 million economically active women aged 50-4 in the labour market, an increase of about 800,000 over the last ten years, it makes sense for women who will be better supported to thrive at work with rewarding and fulfilling careers, whatever level they are. It makes sense for businesses which will have happier, more productive and more inclusive workforces with the commercial success that brings. It makes sense for the country to help grow the economy, reduce levels of economic activity and make it a fairer, more equitable society.