Written by: Stephanie Shaw, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As employers work to become more inclusive and supportive, a growing awareness of menopause and its impact on employees is taking center stage. One innovative approach is the establishment of Menopause Cafés, inspired by the Menopause Café movement in the UK.
In a recent study on menopausal women done by the National Library of Medicine, the conclusion clearly showed a support group could lead to improved quality of life for menopausal women, which we know can translate to the work environment. This article explores the benefits of having a Menopause Café in your place of business and shows some practical ways to implement a Café.
The benefits of a menopause café
Breaking the silence: Menopause is often shrouded in silence, creating an environment where women may feel hesitant to discuss their experiences openly. A Menopause Café in the workplace serves as a platform to break the silence, encouraging employees to share their experiences and concerns without fear of judgment.
Fostering empathy and understanding: Hosting Menopause Cafés encourages empathy and understanding among colleagues. By providing a space for shared stories and experiences, employees gain insights into their peers' challenges during this life transition, nurturing a more compassionate workplace culture.
Promoting mental health and well-being: Menopause is a physical transition and a significant emotional and psychological journey. Menopause Cafés create a supportive space where employees can discuss the emotional aspects of this phase, contributing to mental health awareness and well-being in the workplace.
Encouraging inclusivity: Menopause Cafés contribute to creating an inclusive workplace by recognizing and normalizing the experiences of menopausal women. Inclusivity initiatives that acknowledge the diversity of employees, including their life stages, strengthen the sense of belonging for everyone in the organization.
Educational opportunities: Menopause Cafés provide educational opportunities for both men and women in the workplace. Understanding the symptoms, challenges, and potential accommodations for menopausal employees fosters a culture of awareness and sensitivity, breaking down stereotypes and dispelling myths.
Implementing a menopause cafe in your workplace
Establishing a safe space: Designate a comfortable and confidential space where employees can gather. Creating an environment where individuals feel safe to share their experiences is essential.
Regularly scheduled sessions: Consistency is key. Consider hosting Cafés regularly to encourage ongoing dialogue and support. This ensures that employees have a consistent platform for discussion and connection.
Promoting awareness: Promote Menopause Cafés within the organization to raise awareness and encourage participation. Use internal communication channels like newsletters or workplace forums to share information about upcoming sessions.
Leadership involvement: Encourage leadership involvement to signal the importance of menopause awareness and support. Having leaders participate in the Cafés fosters a culture where open dialogue is valued at all levels of the organization.
Hire a facilitator: Engage support from a menopause educator who can lead meaningful conversations and provide additional support should participants need it. Having someone not directly tied to the organization encourages conversations and lets the participants know that the company is all in.
Creating a safe space for a Menopause Café in your workplace is not just a gesture of support; it's a step toward creating a more empathetic, inclusive, and understanding work environment. By breaking the silence around menopause, fostering open dialogue, and building a supportive network, organizations can empower their employees to navigate this significant life transition with confidence and resilience.
If you are looking for ways to retain talent by supporting the women in your organization but are still determining the next steps, click here to schedule a talk.
Each week, Stephanie airs her podcast Hello, Hot Flash, where midlife women can learn from guest experts how to navigate menopause.
Find out more about Stephanie by reading her recent Brainz articles. You can also find Stephanie on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, or visit her website to learn more.
Stephanie Shaw, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Stephanie Shaw is the host of Hello, Hot Flash podcast. An educator by nature, Stephanie took the strategies she implemented to recover from a two-year illness and turned them into a weekly podcast and online education business where she teaches midlife women how to manage their hormones to lose weight, have more energy, and slow the aging process. Stephanie Shaw is the host of Hello, Hot Flash podcast. An educator by nature, Stephanie took the strategies she implemented to recover from a two-year illness and turned them into a weekly podcast and online education business where she teaches midlife women how to manage their hormones to lose weight, have more energy, and slow the aging process.
