Menopause is increasingly being talked about in the workplace and that’s a good thing.
But sometimes, in an attempt to be helpful, people say something that really isn’t helpful at all.
What might seem like an innocent joke, comment or question can leave someone feeling embarrassed, judged or singled out. And when these comments happen at work, they can have a wider impact too, affecting confidence, relationships and in some situations, contributing to concerns around unfair treatment or discrimination.
You might think you’re showing empathy, making a joke or simply asking a question. But comments about menopause can easily cross a line.
Here are a few things it’s best to avoid.
“You look hot!”
It might seem like an innocent observation, particularly if someone is visibly struggling with the heat. But commenting on someone’s appearance can make an already uncomfortable situation even more uncomfortable.
“My wife had the menopause and she just got on with it.”
Everyone experiences menopause differently. What someone else experienced isn’t a useful benchmark for what another person should be experiencing. Comparisons can make someone feel as though they’re somehow not coping well enough.
“Are you having a menopause moment?”
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating can be symptoms of menopause. But turning a genuine difficulty into a joke, particularly in front of colleagues, can undermine someone’s confidence.
“Don’t let your hormones get out of control.”
Menopause doesn’t make someone incapable of doing their job. Comments like this can reinforce the idea that women are unpredictable, emotional or difficult because of their hormones. That’s not the message we want to be sending in the workplace.
“You seem a bit moody today.”
There are plenty of reasons someone might be having a difficult day. Assuming it’s their hormones isn’t helpful and it can feel dismissive when someone is trying to explain how they’re feeling.
So, what should you do instead? You don’t need to become a menopause expert to support someone at work.
Often, it starts with something much simpler: Listen.
Don’t make assumptions. Give people the opportunity to talk about what they need. Be kind. And most importantly, create a workplace where menopause isn’t something women feel they have to hide. Because the goal of menopause awareness at work isn’t to know exactly what to say in every situation. It’s to create an environment where having the conversation doesn’t feel awkward, embarrassing or career-limiting.
That’s where proper menopause awareness can make a real difference.
If you’re a manager, HR professional or employer wanting to build confidence around menopause conversations in your workplace, menopause awareness training can help you understand the bigger picture and importantly, how to approach these conversations appropriately.
It can also help workplaces recognise how seemingly small comments or assumptions can affect employees and contribute to a culture where people don’t feel uncomfortable speaking openly about what they need.
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