Broadcast: News items

Siobhan O’Reilly, Director of Human Resources

According to the Office of National Statistics, menopausal women are the fastest growing workforce demographic. Yet many line managers report that they don’t feel confident talking about menopause, not knowing enough about it or how they can help. 

The menopause and the symptoms it causes impacts us all through the women in our lives and it can be helpful to know about it and recognise the symptoms.

Siobhan O’Reilly, Director of Human Resources, said: “It’s important to normalise menopause at work and make it unremarkable. Yet is still so taboo to talk about for so many people.

“I feel we have a duty to do more to help our staff talk about the challenges of menopause and how they can be supported in the work place. This week a programme made by Davina McCall - Davina McCall: Sex, Myths and the Menopause - aired on Channel 4, and you can stream it on All 4. I’d urge you to take the time to watch it.”

The Human Resources division are currently working with Professor Miguel Maravall Rodriguez, academic lead for gender equality at Sussex, to put together a menopause policy for the University. HR are also looking at ways to raise awareness, training and support for our staff and their line managers.

“One in four people going through the menopause contemplate giving up work as a result of their symptoms. For organisations that care about their people as much as their productivity, there’s no question that it’s right to put some measures in place,” said Siobhan. “Even the opportunity to talk about it can bring real benefits. I know as I am speaking from experience.”