What are my rights around menopause at work in the UK?

If menopause symptoms have a substantial and long term effect on your day to day activities they may be treated as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. Your employer then has a duty to consider reasonable adjustments so you can do your job.

What reasonable adjustments can I ask for at work during menopause?

Reasonable adjustments might include a fan or cooler workspace, flexible hours, more frequent breaks, access to quiet spaces, support around brain fog or memory issues and time for medical appointments. The right mix depends on your role and symptoms.

How can I talk to my employer about menopause?

You can choose a trusted manager, HR contact or womens network and explain that you are experiencing health symptoms that affect your work. You do not have to share everything. Be clear about what would help such as flexibility, equipment or small changes to your environment.

Why should employers support menopause at work?

Without support many women think about leaving their jobs which means a real loss of talent and experience. When employers take menopause seriously they retain skilled staff, improve wellbeing and show that they value women at every life stage.

How can Women of Our Time help with menopause at work?

Women of Our Time offers one to one support, workshops, research projects and practical resources that help you understand your rights, plan conversations at work and get the support you need to navigate menopause while staying and thriving in your career.

The Hot Topic: Menopause at Work. Your Rights and Support

Women of our Time
Jul 31
3 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Woman holding a clock with a uterus illustration, standing against a leafy background. Text bubble reads "Women of our time."

Navigating Menopause at Work is NOT a Taboo: Your Rights, Resources, and Support:

For too long, menopause has been the elephant in the boardroom – whispered about, misunderstood, and often ignored, leaving millions of women feeling invisible and unsupported at work.

But Women of Our Time (WOOT) is here to shout it from the rooftops: menopause is a natural life stage that impacts your work, and you have every right to support, resources, and respect. It's time to break the silence.

Why Menopause Support is a Workplace Essential (Not a 'Women's Issue')

Menopause symptoms can range from hot flushes and brain fog to anxiety and sleep disturbances – all of which can significantly impact a woman's performance and confidence at work. Ignoring menopause means losing experienced, talented women from the workforce. Supporting it means retaining talent, boosting productivity, and fostering an inclusive culture where women thrive.

Stark Fact: Around 1 in 4 women consider leaving their jobs due to menopause symptoms, leading to a significant loss of talent and experience for businesses across the UK. (CIPD, 2023)

Your Menopause at Work Toolkit: Knowledge is Power!

Know Your Rights: Menopause symptoms can fall under the Equality Act 2010 if they have a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities, potentially qualifying as a disability. Your employer has a duty to make reasonable adjustments.
Communicate (If You're Comfortable): Consider talking to a trusted manager, HR, or a women's network. You don't have to disclose everything, but explaining that you're experiencing symptoms that affect your work can open the door to support.
Request Reasonable Adjustments: This could include:
Access to a fan or cooler workspace.
Flexible working hours to manage sleep disturbances or appointments.
Access to quiet spaces for focus.
Understanding around brain fog or memory issues.
More frequent breaks.
Seek Medical Advice: Talk to your GP about managing symptoms. They can offer HRT, other medications, or lifestyle advice.
Utilise Workplace Resources: Ask if your company has a menopause policy, a menopause champion, or a women's network. If not, consider proposing one!
Build a Support Network: Connect with other women going through menopause. Sharing experiences can be incredibly validating and provide practical tips.

A Final Thought

Menopause is a powerful transition, not a problem to be hidden. By understanding your rights, advocating for your needs, and seeking out support, you can navigate this stage of life with confidence and continue to thrive in your career. Your experience matters, and your voice can drive positive change for all women.

How We Can Help

At WOOT, we believe in equipping you—the individual—to resolve the problem, challenge, or opportunity in front of you. We’re here to help you make a difference in your own world, starting with what’s within your circle of control.

While our research aims to inform long-term solutions and drive systemic change, we know that changing the system will take time. That’s why we’re focused on creating a movement within each of us—empowering women to take action, build resilience, and thrive right now.

Here’s how you can take the first step:

Book a 1:1 Session: Get personalised advice and support tailored to your specific situation.
Sign Up for a Workshop: Join our heavily discounted workshops on topics like confidence building, leadership, and more.
Join Our Research Project: Share your story and help us shape the future for women in the workplace.
Check out our shop for other resources that might help and our podcasts for other women's stories.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone – Menopause at Work Rights:

Ready to navigate menopause at work rights with confidence and support? Click here to explore how we can help you. With unwavering support, The Women of Our Time Team

A diverse group of women is illustrated below the text "Women of Our Time" inside a speech bubble. The mood is empowering and inclusive.

P.S. If you know a woman navigating menopause at work, or an employer who needs to understand the impact, share this post. Let’s lift each other up and create a brighter future together.