Our Commitment

At Digital Science, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and open environment where all our employees can thrive. Managing the effects of the menopause is an important part of our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our team.

This guidance is for everyone. Whether you are experiencing menopause, supporting a colleague or family member, or a line manager wanting to help your team, this document provides information and outlines the support available.

Understanding the Menopause

Menopause is a natural stage of life that affects most women and other people who have a menstrual cycle. This includes some transgender people, people with variations in sex characteristics (VSC), and non-binary individuals.

It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can happen earlier or later. Symptoms can last for several years and vary significantly from person to person, ranging from mild to severe.

The Stages of Menopause

There are three stages to the menopause:

  • Perimenopause: This is the time leading up to the menopause. It can last for months or even years. During perimenopause, your hormone levels fluctuate, and you may start to experience menopause symptoms, but you are still having periods. The regularity, length, and flow of your periods may change.

  • Menopause: This is diagnosed when you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months. The average age for this in the UK, for example, is 51.

  • Post-menopause: This is the time after the menopause. Menopause symptoms may continue for several years post-menopause.

Common Symptoms of Menopause

Everyone's experience of the menopause is different, but some common symptoms include:

  • Physical Symptoms:

    • Hot flushes

    • Night sweats

    • Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)

    • Headaches and migraines

    • Muscle aches and joint pains

    • Fatigue and a lack of energy

    • Heart palpitations

    • Dry skin and hair

    • Weight gain

  • Mental and Emotional Symptoms:

    • Anxiety and panic attacks

    • Low mood and depression

    • Irritability and mood swings

    • Difficulty concentrating and "brain fog"

    • Poor memory

    • A loss of confidence and self-esteem

Why Supporting Menopause at Work is Important

With a significant number of our employees likely to experience menopause during their careers, it is a key health and wellbeing concern.

Work can be a place where symptoms like poor concentration, tiredness, memory issues, low mood, and hot flushes are more difficult to manage. Without the right support, colleagues experiencing these symptoms can:

  • Lose confidence in their skills and abilities.

  • Feel they need to hide the reasons for taking time off.

  • Experience increased stress, anxiety, or depression.

  • Consider leaving the workforce.

By fostering a positive and open environment, we can support our colleagues, retain valuable talent, and ensure everyone can continue to do their job confidently and effectively.

Our Culture of Support

We aim to create a workplace culture where discussing menopause is not taboo. We encourage all employees, regardless of gender, to understand the menopause and support their colleagues.

Guidance for Employees

We understand that everyone's experience is different. If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms, we encourage you to speak to someone you trust. You are not alone, and support is available.

You can speak to:

  • Your Line Manager

  • A member of the People Team

These conversations will be handled sensitively and confidentially.

Managing your Symptoms

If you are experiencing menopause symptoms that are affecting your work, there are several ways you can seek support and request reasonable adjustments from your manager.

Common Symptoms and Suggested Adjustments:

  • Hot Flushes and Heavy Periods: Ensure easy access to drinking water, and discuss the need for extra or more frequent breaks with your line manager. If you work in an office, you can request access to sanitary provisions and space for a change of clothes.

  • Low Mood: Your manager can provide you with details for the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

  • Loss of Confidence: You can request regular personal development discussions and check-ins with your manager to discuss your well-being.

  • Poor Concentration / Brain Fog: Discuss your workload with your manager to review and potentially adjust task allocation. You can also ask for ways to reduce interruptions or the number of meetings you attend.

For any longer-term changes to your working pattern, you have the option to submit a flexible working request. Additionally, you may find it helpful to be flexible on your start and finish times to help manage your symptoms, and to take additional breaks throughout the day.

Guidance for Line Managers

As a line manager, you play a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of your team. It is your responsibility to foster an environment where team members feel they can discuss health concerns, including the menopause.

When a team member talks to you about the menopause:

  • Listen: Approach the conversation with empathy, understanding, and patience.

  • Be Open: Focus on how you can support them in their role.

  • Discuss Adjustments: Explore what practical, reasonable adjustments could help them manage their symptoms at work. A one-size-fits-all approach will not work, so these conversations are key to finding the right support.

The People Team is available to provide you with additional advice and support for having these conversations. Here are a few quick tips to get your started:

Opening a Dialogue

Building a relationship based on trust, empathy, and respect will help a colleague feel comfortable discussing their experience.

Do:

  • Ask colleagues how they are on a regular basis.

  • Take the lead from the individual.

  • Keep the conversation confidential and only share information with explicit consent.

  • Familiarise yourself with guidance and information.

  • Discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments.

Avoid:

  • Making assumptions, as everyone's experience is different.

  • Being prescriptive; instead, ask what the person needs.

  • Offering medical advice. Instead, suggest and signpost to relevant support.

Final Thoughts

Menopause is a natural stage of life, and we are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for employees experiencing it. We encourage you to have open, confidential conversations with your manager to discuss any reasonable adjustments or support you may need. Remember, you can also submit a flexible working request for any longer-term changes to your working pattern. By working together, we can ensure you feel comfortable, supported, and confident at work.