My name is Catherine and I started experiencing perimenopausal symptoms when I was 39 years old. I was an Early Years Teacher at the time and my confidence in work began to slip. I was struggling with a few symptoms, coping with the demands of elderly relatives and looking after three children. The stress became overwhelming and I had to take a leave of absence. I did not realise then that some of the symptoms were related to the menopause. It took me a few years after that to understand what was happening to me.
During my sick leave, the opportunity arose for staff to take voluntary redundancy. Considering the challenges I was facing, I accepted redundancy; leaving a job I was good at, worked hard at, I enjoyed, and relied on financially. If I had been more aware of the menopause at the time and recognised the effects it was having on myself, I might have made a different decision and continued teaching.
My personal journey inspired me to help others who might be going through the same thing, whilst helping their colleagues and managers become better informed in how to provide sensitive support to those that need it. I completed a training course on Understanding Menopause in the Workplace to enhance my knowledge and skills in this area.
I’m really passionate about helping every workplace become a supportive and understanding place for staff going through menopause. Assisting you to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable during this phase of life.
Historically, menopause was considered a taboo subject, rarely discussed openly. It remained shrouded in secrecy, and there was a sense of embarrassment associated with it. My understanding of menopause was limited until several years ago, as it was not part of the curriculum during my school years.
However, in the last few years, there has been a significant shift. Menopause has gained momentum as a topic of conversation, and people are increasingly open about it. This shift has helped diminish the stigma surrounding menopause. This development is particularly beneficial for women, as every woman will experience menopause at some point in her life. Support from others, especially in the workplace where we spend a substantial amount of our time, can greatly alleviate the challenges and difficulties associated with this phase of life.
A report conducted by the Trade Union Congress estimated that in the UK around 1 in 3 women are going through or have reached menopause and 1 in 100 women in the UK experience early menopause before the age of 40.
The Menopause Survey from 2018 found that:
❝ 76% of people who had either gone through or were going through the menopause said that they had found symptoms of the menopause either moderately or extremely problematic at work.❞
❝ 20% of respondents said that they had considered leaving because they found it difficult to deal with the menopause at work.❞
Therefore, it is crucial to recognise and address the unique needs of women as they progress through their careers. Educating ourselves about menopause allows us to better support individuals, enabling them to remain in their roles for as long as they choose.
It’s important to note that menopause can also impact younger women and those with specific health conditions. The symptoms of perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to the menopause, can begin in some women in their 30’s and most often in a woman’s 40’s. Therefore, understanding how to protect and support women during this life stage can help them feel more comfortable and valued in the workplace.
Training can provide you with a better understanding of the menopause and the challenges individuals face during this transition. It can help you to feel confident in discussing and supporting individuals going through the menopause. This can foster a comfortable and respectful environment allowing individuals to express their needs and feelings, while increasing the awareness and empathy of others. This can also prevent workplace conflicts and misunderstandings.
Training can also help managers and senior members of staff understand the legal aspects surrounding the menopause and how to safeguard their staff and workplace from discrimination with simple measures. Being knowledgeable and informed helps to avoid unnecessary absences, distress, disciplinary action and possible legal implications.
The training can inform everyone of some easy workplace adjustments that are feasible and affordable and won’t stretch the budget in these difficult financial times. It can help you be better prepared to assist individuals with sensitivity and provide better support and adjustments.
Training provides example content for your menopause policy, enabling you to create your own policy whilst highlighting the benefits of having a policy in place.
Mental health and well-being has never been more important, particularly after the COVID pandemic. Therefore, protecting staff when they may be more vulnerable is crucial for any workplace. By caring for your staff members' well-being, you can help your workplace retain your valued employees whilst attracting new ones!
The training lasts approximately 1 hour and can be delivered in person or virtually. I would recommend in person as I feel this works better and is far more personable. The training emphasises the importance of menopause-friendly work environments and how this can be achieved.
My training program is clear and comprehensible. It aims to offer invaluable guidance on fostering supportive environments while addressing the specific needs of individuals navigating this phase.
The course objectives are:
The training content will also cover the basics such as the symptoms and stages of menopause. Moreover, it will discuss the benefits of having a menopause policy in place and provide examples of suitable content. In addition, there will be adequate time during the training to answer any questions people may have.
I offer realistic and practical tips for supporting menopausal individuals in the workplace. A small investment can have a big impact on the well-being and retention of your staff and the benefits providing support can bring.
I also offer ongoing menopause support for your staff. This support can take the form of one-to-one or group sessions, tailored to meet the needs of those who may benefit from additional assistance. These sessions provide a valuable opportunity for staff members to receive external support and create a safe space for sharing their feelings.
The key benefits of these sessions are:
Why should I choose you for the training?
I have personal experience and know how it feels to struggle with the physical and emotional changes that come with this stage of life. I can offer you practical advice and emotional support that will make you feel less alone and more empowered, whilst informing managers on how to help and support their staff. I know how hard it can be which enables me to provide an empathetic and understanding approach to my training. I'm passionate about delivering my training sessions, where I share some of my personal stories, insights and information with others.
How much does the training cost?
The training cost will vary dependent on the location and number of delegates. However, I aim to make it affordable for whatever size business you may have. Please get in touch for a no-obligation chat and further details.
What training have you had?
I have completed Understanding Menopause in the Workplace training, Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace and hold a level 2 certificate in counselling.
I used to be a primary teacher before the COVID pandemic and have years of experience working in fast paced, challenging and demanding workplace environments that can be difficult to cope with when dealing with menopausal symptoms.
Is the training for all staff?
YES! The training isn't limited to senior members of staff, by adopting a whole workplace approach to the training it fosters awareness for all. Additionally, the training is not exclusive to females. It's advantageous for male colleagues to enrich their understanding as well, so they have a better awareness of what their colleagues may be experiencing or even their family members.
Will we have to share personal stories and details?
Absolutely not, no one is expected to share any personal details, the course is intended to provide factual information and guidance to help your workplace become confident in supporting individuals going through the menopause. Whilst the course content addresses symptoms, it will be presented sensitively without causing embarrassment, discomfort or awkwardness. There will however, be time during the training for any questions or for anyone to share their personal stories if they wish.
Will you write my menopause policy for me?
I do not have the legal expertise in employment law to draft your menopause policy for you. Each workplace has its own views, objectives, resources and constraints to consider. However, I would be glad to discuss offering my support to collaborate with you to create an effective menopause policy.
My workplace is predominately male, how will the training benefit my workplace?
While menopausal symptoms primarily affect females, they can also impact males. For instance, your partner might experience insomnia or frequent nighttime awakenings, which can be disruptive for the both of you. Feelings of sadness or anger may be creating tension at home and hinder your concentration at work. Lack of knowledge on how to support your partner or colleagues and approach sensitive topics can be challenging. This training equips you with the necessary skills to confidently and sensitively support those in your life without causing offence, both at work and in your personal life. The training can significantly enhance workplace well-being and performance by addressing menopausal symptoms experienced by all employees, regardless of gender.
By Telephone: 07909 974 084
By Email: themenopausalteacher@outlook.com
