On World Menopause Day, 18 October, CIPD Ireland is calling on Irish employers to end the stigma surrounding the topic in the workplace. Women over the age of 50 are the fastest growing segment of the workforce in Ireland. Most women will go through the menopause transition during their working lives.

Director of CIPD Ireland,  Mary Connaughton, says the research shows the menopause has a real impact on women’s careers: We know that for every ten women experiencing menopausal symptoms, six of those say it has a negative impact on their work. Many women will continue to suffer in silence unless we break the taboo and start talking openly about the menopause at work'. 

Mary also hailed the announcement from British broadcaster Channel 4 today, that they are implementing a menopause policy, as a great example to other employers. Talking about how menopause affects women’s lives, including their workplace and careers is key to normalising the topic and creating an environment where positive policies can be introduced and become embedded in the culture.

Many women with menopause symptoms suffer in silence at their work. One in four women say they do not get the support they need at this time from their manager. CIPD Ireland offers members a wide range of supports and resources to improve a workplace’s approach to the issue. Often a few simple changes  can make a world of difference – even just talking about the menopause openly can reduce the impact of some symptoms and enable people to continue performing well in their roles.