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World Menopause Day 2023: Shattering stigmas, elevating wellness
Rose Mabiza
18-10-2023

Beyond the pause: Menopause in modern workplaces
Every year on October 18th, we celebrate World Menopause Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness, breaking the stigma, and highlighting the support available for those experiencing menopause. However, it is crucial to understand that menopause transcends being just a gender or age-centric topic.
It is a broader organisational issue with ripple effects that can touch colleagues directly or indirectly. In this blog, we'll delve into why raising awareness of menopause is essential, what this day signifies, and what you can do to support and empower the women in your life.
World Menopause Day 2023

World Menopause Day is observed on October 18th to raise awareness about menopause and its impact on women's health. This year’s theme for World Menopause Day is cardiovascular disease. This highlights the significance of understanding and managing the cardiovascular risks associated with menopause.
Menopause is a significant transition in a woman's life. Raising awareness is crucial because it allows us to openly discuss this natural process, shattering the stigma surrounding it. By fostering a transparent and open environment, we ensure that nobody feels embarrassed to talk about menopause.
This open dialogue empowers women with greater knowledge and confidence, helping them navigate this transformative phase. Additionally, it encourages the clinical community to prioritise women's health and wellness as they age.
The silent impact
Menopause, characterised by the end of menstrual cycles, usually occurs between the ages of 45 to 55. While it's a natural phase in a woman's life, it's accompanied by symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. While varying in intensity for every individual, these symptoms can inadvertently influence a woman's experience in the workplace.
Despite its pervasive nature, menopause remains a hushed topic in many professional settings, primarily due to societal stigmas and lack of awareness. This silence can lead to feelings of isolation and misunderstanding, affecting not only the women going through the transition but also their colleagues and the organisation.
Focus of World Menopause Day 2023

This year, World Menopause Day shines a spotlight on cardiovascular disease and its links with reproductive factors. Recent studies have shown a connection between a woman's reproductive history—including menstruation, pregnancies, specific treatments, and menopause—and the potential risk of cardiovascular disease in the later stages of life. Women can better assess and manage their health risks by understanding these correlations.
The International Menopause Society has generously provided resources to enlighten further and support this year's theme. The good news? These resources are available in multiple languages, ensuring a broader reach and inclusivity.
Broader organisational ramifications

Productivity and engagement
Women experiencing severe menopausal symptoms may struggle to maintain their usual productivity levels. A lack of support or understanding can lead to diminished engagement and motivation.
Mental well-being
With symptoms like mood swings or depression linked to menopause, mental well-being becomes a significant concern. Women may feel overwhelmed or stressed without proper support structures, which could affect their professional output.
Retention and job satisfaction
If women feel unsupported during this transition, it might influence their decision to stay with an organisation or seek employment elsewhere.
Towards an inclusive workplace

Educate and raise awareness
Hosting workshops and training sessions can help in demystifying menopause. When colleagues and managers understand the transition, they're better equipped to offer support.
Flexible working conditions
Offering flexible work hours or the option to work from home can help women manage their symptoms better without affecting their professional responsibilities.
Open conversations
Foster a culture where women feel comfortable discussing their experiences and needs related to menopause.
Well-being initiatives
Introducing wellness programs or providing resources related to menopause can offer relief and support to affected employees.
Conclusion

Menopause in the workplace extends beyond individual experiences; it's a collective issue that demands understanding, empathy, and strategic interventions. As organisations evolve to be more inclusive, recognising and addressing the needs of menopausal women becomes a matter of equity and a testament to an organisation's commitment to the well-being of its entire workforce.
Let's remember the importance of raising awareness, fostering open conversations, and promoting health and wellness for women undergoing this natural transition. By breaking the stigma surrounding menopause and offering our support, we can empower women to embrace this phase of life with confidence and vitality. Together, we can make menopause a celebrated and supported journey for all.

About the Mandatory Training Group
The Mandatory Training Group is one of the leading UK providers of CPDUK-accredited statutory and mandatory training, continuing professional development (CPD) courses, eLearning software and workforce development solutions for all sectors.
By making things simple and designing interactive e-learning content, we can provide meaningful training programs at all levels and enhance the capacity and resilience of individuals and organisations.
Click here to see our wide range of accredited health and wellbeing online courses and training programmes.
References and resources
IMS International Menopause Society (2023) - World Menopause Day
BMS British Menopause Society (2023) - World Menopause Day 2023
NHS Employers (2023) - World Menopause Day – 18 October 2023 | NHS Employers
Champion Health (2023) - Menopause Awareness Month: Guidance for Employers
New Leaf Health (2023) - World Menopause Day: How to Support Your Employees

About the Mandatory Training Group

The Mandatory Training Group is one of the leading UK providers of CPDUK-accredited statutory and mandatory training, continuing professional development (CPD) courses, eLearning software and workforce development solutions for all sectors.
By making things simple and designing interactive e-learning content, we can provide meaningful training programs at all levels and enhance the capacity and resilience of individuals and organisations.
Click here to see our wide range of accredited mental health online courses and training programmes.
References and resources

Malnutrition Task Force (2023) - UK Malnutrition Awareness Week 2023
BAPEN: the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (2023) - UK Malnutrition Awareness Week 2023
Awaireness Days (2023) - UK Malnutrition Awareness Week 2023 - Awareness Days Events Calendar 2023
Optimal Nutritional care for all (2023) - The Malnutrition Awareness Weeks 2023
BSNA British Specialist Nutrition Association Ltd (2023) - ONCA International Conference Continuity of Nutrition Care - The power of concerted efforts against malnutrition
NDR Nutrition and Diet Resources (2023) - MAPN & #MalnutritionMonday 2023 | Nutrition and Diet Resources
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