Manufacturing sector Advice and information
In an industry characterised by precision, efficiency, and often physically demanding work, the challenges posed by menopause can sometimes be overlooked.
However, understanding and accommodating the needs of employees experiencing menopause is essential for maintaining a productive and supportive workplace. This information is designed to foster awareness, promote dialogue, and implement effective strategies for managing menopause-related issues in manufacturing settings
Top tips for employers
- Look at ways to cool the working environment, for example provide a fan or adjust the air conditioning.
- Provide easy access to cold drinking water and washrooms.
- Make sanitary products available in washrooms.
- Allow for more frequent breaks to go to the toilet or 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.
- Discuss possible adjustments to tasks and duties that are proving a challenge.
- Allow someone to move around or stay mobile, if that helps.
- Adapt uniforms for all workers to improve comfort – consider the material, colour and sizing
- Make it easy to request extra uniforms if needed.
- Consider a change to shift patterns or the ability to swap shifts on a temporary basis. Offer a flexible working arrangement, for example a later start and finish time.
- 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.
Insight from Allison Christou, Bentley Motors on the challenges of supporting those affected by menopause within a large manufacturing organisation.
Allison, who has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges, gives her first-hand experience of the innovative strategies employed by Bentley Motors.
As a large manufacturing organisation, what are the challenges you have had in supporting menopause in your workplace?
Our first challenge was raising awareness of the topic so that all colleagues felt confident in talking openly about the menopause. It is also really important that we communicate effectively with all colleagues and this can be particularly challenging in areas where our colleagues have limited access to IT e.g. production. Reaching all colleagues is crucial for us to convey the availability of support groups and services.
How have you been addressing this challenge?
Through close collaboration with our Production Leads, Optima Health (our occupational health provider) and our wider Wellbeing initiatives such as our Befit and BeSafe Programmes and our BeAccessible network, we have explored ways to support all colleagues.
Through these collaborations, we have implemented the monthly menopause support group, menopause cafes and informative presentations, all of which take place after the production shift finishes to enable all colleagues to attend.
In addition, we have implemented menopause training, knowledge-based articles and reasonable adjustments that colleagues can request. It is essential for us to engage both male and female colleagues and managers, as the impact of menopause can be significant on openness and communication.
Can you share a recent initiative that you’ve undertaken to support your employees?
We recently organised an extraordinary talk featuring a UK leading GP and menopause specialist which was a fantastic experience for our colleagues.
The interview had an audience of around 100 people either in person or via live stream, with many more colleagues watching the recording at a later time.
This initiative has been well-received, with many employees engaging with the content. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to provide valuable resources and support for all our employees, ensuring they have access to essential information and services for their well-being.