Adjustments to manage menopause symptoms at work

Examples of supports and adjustments to manage physical and psychological symptoms of menopause.

We recommend a collaborative approach between colleagues and managers to find solutions and put adjustments in place.

Here are examples of supports and adjustments that could help with managing:

The examples below should be considered in the context of the job role and duties of the person experiencing menopause symptoms.

Examples of supports and adjustments to manage physical symptoms

To help manage hot flushes, you could:

adapt the temperature in work areas, for example:
- provide a fan - where possible a USB connected desk fan that's environmentally friendly
- move a desk near an open window or away from a heat source
- adjust the air conditioning if possible.
arrange frequent breaks and have access to fresh air
have easy access to cold drinking water, toilet and washroom facilities
have access to a rest room for breaks, if work involves long periods of standing or sitting, or a quiet area to manage a severe hot flush
provide or ask for extra items of uniform if needed or adapt a work uniform, like not wearing a uniform jacket
provide new or more storage space for a change of clothing.
time-limit the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks.

To help with difficulty sleeping or insomnia, you could consider:

changes to shift patterns, or the ability to swap shifts on a temporary basis
temporary or permanent flexible working arrangements, for example a later start and finish time
working from home
using available flexitime to adjust start or finish times on an ad hoc basis.

To help with headaches or migraines, you could:

To help with joint aches and pains, you could consider:

temporary adjustments through review of the menopause health needs assessment and work schedules
referral to the Physiotherapy Service for advice on symptoms management and any workplace adjustments and restrictions required
opportunities to move around or stay mobile if that helps
discretion to take medication if needed.

To help with irregular or heavy periods or bleeding, you could arrange:

To help with urinary issues such as incontinence, you could look at:

adapting work tasks or equipment to minimise bending and the lifting of heavy objects
easy access or more frequent breaks to use toilet and washroom facilities
providing extra items of uniforms if needed
new or more space for a change of clothing.

To help with low mood, depression, and changes in mood, you could:

provide frequent breaks to allow access to natural light and fresh air to help lift and improve mood
signpost to our Time for Talking counselling service
identify a supportive colleague or "buddy" to talk to away from the office or work area, such as a Mental Health First Aider.

Help with nervousness, worry, anxiety, low self-esteem or confidence, you could:

address work-related stress by carrying out a quality of working life stress risk assessment
consider a referral to the Occupational Health Service for access to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
agree protected time to complete tasks without being disturbed or to undertake relaxation or mindfulness activities
have regular protected time for colleagues to discuss any concerns or ways to support with their manager.

To help with reduced ability to concentrate or focus, you could:

discuss if there are times of the day when concentration is better or worse and consider organising work tasks or adjusting work pattern or location accordingly
provide memory-assisting equipment, like books for notes and 'to-do' lists or using available software like Microsoft Outlook reminders or Microsoft Sticky Notes
discuss possible supports and adjustments to tasks and duties that are challenging
confirm important work tasks and outcomes of key meetings in writing where possible, for example by e-mail, to provide clarity.
offer quiet space to work or noise-reducing headphones to wear in open offices
reduce interruptions in the office.