Menopause at Work

The issue of how workplaces can support people experiencing symptoms of menopause isn’t a new one. Almost a million women in the UK have left their jobs as a result of experiencing menopausal symptoms, which has a knock-on effect that directly impacts the diversity of the workforce, the gender pay-gap and the gender pension gap.  

As the music industry continues to try and achieve a more gender balanced workforce, we must also look at ways to support women and people who experience symptoms of the menopause to stay in work.  

Musicians may face specific challenges because of the multiple workplaces and environments that they work in, as MU member Millicent Stephenson brilliantly explains in this blog. 

For too long, conversations about menopause have been seen as a private matter. As a result, it is rarely openly discussed, and many people will have little awareness of the issues involved.  

This means that many people feel that they have to hide their symptoms and are less likely to ask for the adjustments that may help them. Addressing the menopause should be a high priority in all workplaces. 

Menopause Sample Policy 

Having a policy to support women and people who experience symptoms of menopause, that that gives clear guidance for managers, engagers and colleagues, is an essential step in creating menopause friendly workplaces.  

This MU sample menopause policy is designed for anyone working in the music industry and can be adapted to suit a range of workplaces.   

This sample policy contains considerations for: 

• Definitions of menopause  
• Symptoms of menopause  
• Reasonable adjustments  
• Support for people experiencing symptoms of menopause  

With any policy it’s vital that the people experiencing symptoms of menopause are consulted and that the policy is adapted to meet the needs of workers in a specific workplace.  

Everyone’s experience of the menopause is different, so the most important thing is to listen openly to the individuals with lived experience.  

Freelancers may feel particularly vulnerable asking for adjustments so it’s important that everyone in the workplace, including freelancers, knows about the policy and is comfortable asking for support. 
 
It is important that all workers, including men feel confident to discuss the menopause and this sample policy aims to help open up those conversations and provide a framework to  ensure a greater understanding of the menopause and provide workplace support.