Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) is calling for employers to introduce menopause policies to raise awareness and help those experiencing symptoms.
The conciliation service issued the advice after research it carried out with more than 1,000 organisations revealed that more than four in five think it is important to support those affected by menopause at work.
Acas is urging businesses to offer menopause awareness training for managers and provide guidance on sensitively dealing with the issue.
Acas chief executive Susan Clews said: “British businesses overwhelmingly feel that it is important to support women experiencing menopause at work.
“Staff can experience menopause in different ways and some symptoms can be severe both physically and mentally.
“Acas has a range of advice for employers on how best to support women impacted by the menopause, to stay at work, keep within the law and avoid any potential conflicts before they arise.
“We are encouraging businesses to take advantage of Acas’s expertise to develop a menopause policy, provide training and start conversations with staff to help normalise menopause and provide a safe space for staff at work and to help women to stay at work.”
The non-departmental government body is also encouraging employers to consider implementing practical changes that would help employees manage their symptoms at work, such as making cold drinking water and temperature control readily available.
