Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, but its symptoms, such as hot flushes, memory lapses, and a loss of confidence, can significantly disrupt daily routines and make teaching particularly challenging. Government research highlights that many women feel menopause remains a taboo topic in the workplace. Some are unaware they are experiencing it, while others are reluctant to seek support due to fears of gender or age-related discrimination.
According to the UK Government’s School and College Voice 2024 report, a significant number of teaching staff feel that menopausal symptoms have negatively affected their ability to do their job. The most commonly reported issues include anxiety (61%), forgetfulness (60%), reduced concentration (58%), increased stress (56%), and a decline in confidence (52%). Despite these challenges, awareness of workplace support remains low: only 20% of respondents were aware of a menopause action plan at their school, while 23% said their school did not have one. Notably, just over half of teachers were unsure whether any plan existed at all.
Education Mutual offers a wide range of services aimed at supporting women through their individual journey through the menopause. On top of existing support, such as access to counselling, webinar training for employers and support for staff members and partners, new areas include:
- A menopause Symptom Tracker where individuals can monitor and manage their menopause symptoms effectively, allowing users to track changes in their health, identify patterns, and access personalised advice to better navigate this life stage.
- Our Guidance for Partners service is designed to help individuals navigate the changes that menopause can bring to a relationship. We provide compassionate advice on how to understand and respond to symptoms, while fostering empathy and open communication.
- Refreshed webinar content and a new Perfect your Personal Journey workshop, which empowers individuals with practical guidance and personalised strategies to navigate
their unique experiences. - A brand new Menopause Blog, providing a dedicated space offering valuable insights, tips, and personal stories related to menopause, all aiming to raise awareness, break stigmas, and provide support through expert advice.
To learn more about these menopause related services, please click this link for further detail: https://www.educationmutual.co.uk/service/menopause/
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