Men, Ladies and Menopause!!

After many training sessions carried out for my clients within their businesses and covering many varied Health aspects of the Health & Safety business – Menopause still remains the top topic that is still taboo and not talked about as much as maybe it should be.

Even if you search Menopause on the HSE website – there is nothing there. I knew I had to find a way to educate my clients within their businesses to enable them to support their employees during these times of emotion, change and physical safety.

When I have asked both male and female staff of various ages it would seem it’s because it’s not easily understood.

You maybe asking yourself why? It would seem it’s due to each female having a range of symptoms ranging from hot flushes, fatigue, sleep issues, brain fog, body aches to name a few.

Menopause can start any time from age 35 (perimenopause) up to age 55 (is the usual age range). Every woman is different and everybody is different.

Perimenopause is the transitional time around menopause. It’s marked by changes in the menstrual cycle, along with other physical and emotional symptoms. Please remember it is not an illness these ladies just need a little extra support during their working day.

As you can imagine some of these symptoms could cause issues whilst at work (and every part of her day) for the woman and also any male colleagues and the management team.

So it’s so VERY important for ALL staff at every level to have an understanding of this subject. Every single person will be affected by this at some stage in their lives.

When I carry out these sessions there are so many people that seem to have lightbulb moments such as:

“Just could not sleep for more that 2 hours at a time”

“This makes sense, I didn’t know what was happening to me, I have been feeling so tired and having to go to bed at 8pm”

“My mum has been struggling with weight issues and has become very forgetful”

“This has been such a valuable 2 hours of discussion and feel very confident about supporting my female staff members even better”

Many Health & Safety businesses focus on the physical safety as this part is easy. It’s easy to spot a blocked fire exit or an unsafe ladder and to then carry out a risk assessment.

It’s not so easy on the Health side such as stress, dust, noise, menopause, mental health or electric issues. I always talk to all levels of staff when carrying out this type of work. There are always some great ideas and perfect solutions that come out of these sessions.

During my sessions we talk, staff share their experiences, education is key. We then put a policy into force taking into account the views and information from the business. We then implement the policy to ALL staff. I also carry out regular reviews to ensure it is working and tweak any changes needed. This is such an important step.

Here is a great article that Davina McCall was a part of – definitely worth watching https://bit.ly/3wMhtmo

If you need any further information or would like to book in some training for you and your staff please please contact us today on 07770 302504 or email joanne@chestnutassociates.co.uk