Care sector – advice and information
Providing compassionate and essential services, the care industry plays a vital role in supporting individuals’ wellbeing.
Yet, the unique demands of caregiving can make addressing menopause-related issues even more crucial.
Whether you’re a small self-employed caregiver or a manager overseeing a care facility, you’ll find insights, resources, and practical support for workers here. These are designed to empower employers in creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace.
Top tips
- Adapt uniforms for workers to improve comfort – consider the material, colour and sizing.
- Make it easy to request extra uniforms if needed.
- Discuss possible adjustments to tasks and duties that are proving a challenge.
- Consider the opportunity to split or swap shifts on a temporary basis.
- Limit the time wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks.
- Provide easy access to cold drinking water and washrooms.
- Make sanitary products available in washrooms.
- Allow regular breaks and opportunities to take medication.
- Provide access to a rest room.
- Encourage employees to discuss concerns at one-to-one meetings with their manager or supervisor and/or HR or occupational health.
- Don’t make assumptions – everyone is different, so take your lead from the individual.
- Recognise someone may need to take short-term absence if they have difficult symptoms.
- Approach performance conversations supportively and positively.
- Take any health issues fully into account where there is underperformance on the part of an individual.
- Signpost to an employee assistance programme or counselling services if available.
- Provide information at work to raise awareness and support around menopause, for example through posters and leaflets, in staff areas