Workshop helps Harper Adams employees discuss the impact of menopause in the workplace

Posted 11 April 2024

Jo Lee Morris, Head of Training Delivery at Henpicked

A dedicated workshop has been held at Harper Adams University to allow the institution’s employees to discuss the impact of menopause in the workplace.

The workshop was run by Henpicked, an industry-leading provider of workplace training, and involved a short lecture, which busted some widespread myths about the menopause, set out some of the challenges which people can face going through the menopause at work – and offered a range of resources and advice.

Jo Lee Morris, Head of Training Delivery at Henpicked, gave the interactive and engaging talk.

She said: “Menopause can have an effect on us all, whether someone is experiencing menopause directly or supporting a family member, friend or colleague. 

“While some will sail through menopause, three in four people experience symptoms and as many as one in four have serious symptoms.

“However, around half have never consulted a healthcare professional about their menopause. 

“Research also shows that the majority of those experiencing menopause are unwilling to discuss menopause-related health problems with their managers or ask for any support they may need. 

“We're passionate about the wellbeing of everyone and that means helping everyone to talk about menopause openly.”

This was then followed by workshops in which Harper Adams employees discussed ways in which about how they could support themselves or their partners, friends, relatives, and colleagues through the menopause.

Head of Organisational Development at Harper Adams University, Andy Allen, added: “Opening up a discussion about the menopause is hugely important, which is why we were so keen to set up this event.

“Jo’s talk was great and helped both bust some myths and signpost people towards help and advice – and the group discussions helped participants discuss challenges openly – and identify some possible solutions together.

“Regardless of gender or age, everyone will be touched by the menopause at some point in their life – something which came out loud and clear during the workshops.

“With that in mind, I was also very pleased to be able to announce at the event that colleagues at Harper Adams are launching a Menopause Support Network, which will help those affected to navigate things together.”

To find out more about the new Menopause Support Network, click here.