"Menopause Brain" and the Workplace: Why We Need to Start Talking About It
Brain fart moment! I’ve just spent the last 5 mins looking for my phone, only to realise I’m on it talking to my husband!
As I’ve reached a certain age, let’s just call it “mature”, I’ve started noticing a few more of these brain fart moments. At first, I thought it was just the usual – busy working mum, juggling a business, managing a household, supporting my family, and squeezing in a sliver of "me time." But then I listened to a fascinating podcast with Dr. Lisa Mosconi, and it was like my disorientated dots were finally connected.
In the podcast, Dr. Lisa Mosconi’s discussed her research findings on menopause and the brain. As a neuropsychologist, this had all my geek juice flowing! Essentially, the struggle is real. Menopause doesn't just impact our bodies; it has profound effects on our cognitive functioning. And yet, this isn’t something that gets much airtime anywhere, let alone in the workplace. But think about it, if potentially half the workforce experience menopause, isn’t it time we started a conversation about it?
Understanding Menopause Brain: A Quick Primer
For many women, menopause means more than just hot flashes or sleep disturbances. Hormonal changes, especially the decline in estrogen, directly impacts brain chemistry, structure, and function. Estrogen is a powerhouse hormone for the brain, it affects everything from memory to concentration and even emotional regulation. So, when estrogen levels drop, it’s no wonder women can feel a bit foggy.
Why Menopause Conversations Belong in the Workplace
Menopause is more than a personal journey; it has real implications in the workplace. Here’s why we need to talk about it:
How Organisations Can Support Women Through Menopause
If we’re serious about fostering an inclusive culture, we need to recognise the unique challenges that menopause presents and respond with empathy and practical support.
Here are three ways organisations can support women navigating this transition:
Moving Forward Together
Menopause is a significant part of many women's lives, and yet, it remains a taboo topic in most workplaces. By recognising menopause and creating an environment where these conversations are welcomed, we’re not only supporting our colleagues but also paving the way for future generations to thrive in a truly inclusive workplace.
After all, a great workplace doesn’t just support employees when they’re young, fresh, and agile; it’s one that values and supports them through every stage of life, even those that come with a little “brain fog.”
So, here’s to building that kind of culture, where everyone belongs and feels valued, one laugh and one conversation at a time.
As I’ve reached a certain age, let’s just call it “mature”, I’ve started noticing a few more of these brain fart moments. At first, I thought it was just the usual – busy working mum, juggling a business, managing a household, supporting my family, and squeezing in a sliver of "me time." But then I listened to a fascinating podcast with Dr. Lisa Mosconi, and it was like my disorientated dots were finally connected.
In the podcast, Dr. Lisa Mosconi’s discussed her research findings on menopause and the brain. As a neuropsychologist, this had all my geek juice flowing! Essentially, the struggle is real. Menopause doesn't just impact our bodies; it has profound effects on our cognitive functioning. And yet, this isn’t something that gets much airtime anywhere, let alone in the workplace. But think about it, if potentially half the workforce experience menopause, isn’t it time we started a conversation about it?
Understanding Menopause Brain: A Quick Primer
For many women, menopause means more than just hot flashes or sleep disturbances. Hormonal changes, especially the decline in estrogen, directly impacts brain chemistry, structure, and function. Estrogen is a powerhouse hormone for the brain, it affects everything from memory to concentration and even emotional regulation. So, when estrogen levels drop, it’s no wonder women can feel a bit foggy.
Why Menopause Conversations Belong in the Workplace
Menopause is more than a personal journey; it has real implications in the workplace. Here’s why we need to talk about it:
- Inclusivity and Belonging: As more organisations champion inclusivity, it’s crucial to understand that inclusivity extends beyond gender or ethnicity. It’s also about embracing life stages and the unique challenges they bring. For women going through menopause, feeling understood and supported can significantly enhance their sense of belonging and engagement at work.
- Performance and Well-being: Cognitive changes due to menopause can impact job performance. Imagine trying to conduct a high-stakes presentation while struggling to find the right words. The anxiety that comes with this can further impair performance and, over time, affect a woman’s confidence in her abilities.
- Retention and Talent Management: As businesses seek to retain experienced employees, supporting women through menopause can be a key factor. It’s an opportunity to show that the workplace values every stage of a woman’s career journey and is committed to helping her thrive.
How Organisations Can Support Women Through Menopause
If we’re serious about fostering an inclusive culture, we need to recognise the unique challenges that menopause presents and respond with empathy and practical support.
Here are three ways organisations can support women navigating this transition:
- Encourage Open Conversations and Education: Normalising menopause conversations in the workplace can go a long way. This could be as simple as including menopause awareness in your health and wellness programmes or inviting a specialist to hold an informational session. When leaders talk openly about menopause, it signals to everyone in the organisation that this is a safe space.
- Implement Flexible Work Policies: Menopause symptoms aren’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Some days might be great, while others can be incredibly challenging. Offering flexible work options, such as remote workdays or flexible hours, can help women manage symptoms without feeling pressured or judged.
- Provide Access to Menopause-Friendly Resources: Consider developing wellness toolkits that include menopause resources, like mindfulness and stress management tools, or information about hormone replacement therapy. Many companies have begun offering wellness rooms for women to take a break, meditate, or even just rest in a quiet space during tough days. Small gestures like these can make an enormous difference.
Moving Forward Together
Menopause is a significant part of many women's lives, and yet, it remains a taboo topic in most workplaces. By recognising menopause and creating an environment where these conversations are welcomed, we’re not only supporting our colleagues but also paving the way for future generations to thrive in a truly inclusive workplace.
After all, a great workplace doesn’t just support employees when they’re young, fresh, and agile; it’s one that values and supports them through every stage of life, even those that come with a little “brain fog.”
So, here’s to building that kind of culture, where everyone belongs and feels valued, one laugh and one conversation at a time.