Menopause Matters Episode 4

Menopause and the workplace: Starting the conversation

You’re in the middle of a work meeting and feel a hot flush coming on. How do you handle it? Many women struggle in silence with perimenopause symptoms at work and that’s part of the problem, says Thea O’Connor, a menopause in the workplace specialist who wants to break the stigma and normalise the conversation with managers and employees. 

In this episode, host Alison Brahe-Daddo chats to Thea about why we need to talk about menopause in the workplace. Thea calls out simple adjustments businesses can make to support women during this time of life, including giving you flexible work breaks and support if you're sleep deprived. Find out why being menopause friendly can benefit everyone at work.

Menopause Matters is brought to you by HCF, Australia's largest not-for-profit health fund.

Guest bio: Thea O’Connor is a wellbeing and productivity advisor and coach, and the creator of the Menopause@Work training program.

For more on Thea, visit her website https://www.thea.com.au/

Support the show: https://www.hcf.com.au/podcast/menopause-matters

This podcast contains general health information and shouldn’t be relied on as medical advice. If you have any health concerns, speak to your doctor. HCF doesn’t endorse any statements or opinions made during the podcast. If the podcast makes you feel depressed or anxious and you need to talk to someone straight away, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Want to know more?

Here are some of the studies and statistics we mentioned in this episode.

20% of women experience no symptoms and 20% of women experience severe symptoms during menopause https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms

One in 10 women have quit their job due to menopause https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/women/menopause-women-quit-jobs-hrt-b2069754.html

Menopause and the workplace report https://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/menopauseandtheworkplace

Mental health affects 1 in 5 people https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health

1 in 3 Australians are not getting enough sleep https://au.yougov.com/news/2019/03/21/one-three-australians-not-getting-enough-sleep/

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