On International Women’s Day, Jo Brewis, Professor of People and Organisations at The Open University (OU), speaks to the OU Business School about her latest work and gives insight into the field of menopause in the workplace.
At the end of last year Professor Brewis called for the scrutiny of new employment leave policies, highlighting the need for fairer and more inclusive practises. The call was supported by a new research paper that highlighted the inconsistencies in paid leave entitlements for parents experiencing pregnancy endings that do not result in a living infant, such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancies, molar pregnancies, and abortion.
More recently, she has released a new book, ‘Menopause Transitions and the Workplace’, that gives insight on the latest knowledge in the field of menopause in the workplace. Working with organizations and government bodies, she has found that menopausal symptoms can affect work and well-being. She emphasises that different people have different experiences and urges workplaces to have policies that support everyone.
Professor Brewis stresses the importance of talking openly about menopause at work and removing any stigma. She suggests that employers offer flexible schedules and support programs to help employees.
Though some progress has been made, Professor Brewis notes that women in demanding jobs still face difficulties. She said:
“Opening up conversations about experiences of menopause in the workplace not only helps to dispel the stigma around it, but it also encourages employers to offer support that can actually benefit the wider workforce.
“Flexible working options, breathable uniforms, better sanitary provision, decaffeinated drinks, rest areas, showers, lighting, and more considered use of shared spaces (particularly where temperature is an issue) – all of these options can also benefit staff more widely and employers are able to offer these support packages without staff having to disclose menopausal symptoms.
“These conversations also help to shine a light on reproductive health more widely, normalising things like endometriosis and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).”
Though some progress has been made, Professor Brewis notes that more research and support is needed to make workplaces inclusive for everyone. She added:
“Being part of this movement in bringing menopause issues in the workplace to the fore is the single most impactful project I have ever been involved in, but I know there is much more to do.
“There are still gaps in our knowledge about menopause and the workplace, including the experiences of those who identify as lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary or gender non-conforming; women who attain menopause early; women who experience ‘cliff-edge’ menopause, for example because of an oophorectomy where they have their ovaries removed; BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) women; women in ‘lower skilled’ or manual occupations; and women with disabilities.”
Read the full interview with Jo Brewis on the OU Business School website here: Effects of menopause in the workplace tackled in OU professor’s new book | The Open University Business School
