Menopause in the workplace - how men can be the allies women need

Menopause is a natural part of life for women, but it’s often overlooked or misunderstood in the workplace. For many women, symptoms like hot flashes, brain fog, and mood swings can make their workday more challenging. As men in the workforce, it’s important to recognise the impact of menopause and step up as allies to support our female colleagues through this transition.

By becoming informed, empathetic, and proactive, men can help create a more inclusive work environment where women feel valued and supported during menopause. Here’s how.

Why menopause should matter to everyone

While menopause is a deeply personal experience, it also has workplace implications that affect entire teams. When women feel uncomfortable or unsupported at work due to menopause, it can impact their performance, well-being, and career trajectory. Many women even consider leaving their jobs because they don’t feel like they can balance their symptoms with work demands.

As male colleagues, managers, and leaders, understanding menopause is an important step toward building a more inclusive and supportive workplace. Menopause isn’t just a “women’s issue” - it’s a workplace issue that can affect productivity, team dynamics, and employee retention.

How menopause affects women at work

Menopause can bring about a wide range of symptoms that make day-to-day tasks more difficult for women. These include:

• Hot flashes: Sudden bursts of intense heat that can be uncomfortable and embarrassing in a professional setting.
• Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or staying focused, which can affect productivity.
• Mood changes: Anxiety, irritability, or depression can make it harder to manage work relationships or maintain focus.
• Fatigue: Sleep disturbances due to menopause can lead to exhaustion, making it hard for women to stay alert during the day.

While these symptoms vary from woman to woman, the challenges they bring are very real. As men, we may not experience menopause firsthand, but we can still play a pivotal role in supporting our colleagues who do.

Practical ways to be a male ally during menopause

Here are a few concrete actions men can take to support their female colleagues going through menopause:

1. Educate yourself

The first step to being a good ally is understanding what menopause is and how it affects women. Learn about the symptoms, both physical and emotional, and how they might manifest in the workplace. The more you know, the more empathetic you can be.

Menopause is not a one-size-fits-all experience, so being open to learning about the different ways it can impact women is crucial.

2. Open the conversation

Menopause is often considered a taboo subject, but it doesn’t have to be. By creating a safe and respectful space for open conversations, men can help reduce the stigma around menopause. Whether you’re a manager or a peer, ask how you can support your female colleagues and encourage them to speak up about their needs.

For example, managers can check in with their team members, ask if they need flexibility, and show that menopause is not something to be hidden. Being approachable and willing to listen is a simple yet powerful way to provide support.

3. Promote flexibility

If you’re in a leadership or managerial role, consider offering flexible working arrangements that can help women manage their symptoms. This might include remote work options, extended breaks, or allowing time off for health reasons.

Flexibility can be incredibly empowering for women going through menopause, and as an ally, advocating for these policies can make a real difference in someone’s workday.

4. Challenge the stigma

Part of being an ally is standing up against harmful assumptions or stereotypes. If you hear jokes or dismissive comments about menopause, call them out. Menopause is a natural part of aging, and it’s important that we treat it with the same respect as any other health issue.

By challenging these attitudes, you can help create a more respectful and inclusive environment where women feel comfortable being themselves.

5. Be empathetic and supportive

Empathy is key to being a good ally. If a colleague mentions they’re going through menopause, don’t dismiss it or make them feel uncomfortable. Instead, offer support. Ask how you can help and be willing to accommodate their needs without judgment.

Something as simple as adjusting the temperature in a meeting room or understanding when someone needs a quick break can make all the difference.

Why allyship matters

Being a male ally during menopause isn’t about fixing things for women—it’s about supporting them through a natural life stage and creating an environment where they feel valued. When women feel supported, they’re more likely to stay engaged and productive at work, which benefits everyone.

Additionally, supporting women through menopause can have a positive ripple effect on workplace culture. It signals that your workplace values inclusivity and is committed to meeting the needs of all employees, regardless of gender or life stage.

Menopause is not something to be ignored or misunderstood in the workplace. As men, we have the opportunity to support our female colleagues through this transition by becoming informed, fostering open conversations, and advocating for a more inclusive work environment. Small acts of allyship can make a big difference in the lives of women going through menopause - and, ultimately, in the overall culture and success of the workplace.

It’s time to break the silence, educate ourselves, and step up as allies. Together, we can create a work environment where every employee, no matter their stage in life, feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.