Local businesses need to improve menopause care to retain female talent, says top expert

Stigma, a lack of supportive healthcare and discrimination is playing a key role in forcing one in ten women navigating the menopause out of the workplace and local business leaders should feel empoweredto improve menopause care to help retain female talent, saysUK health and wellbeing advocate Liz Earle MBE.

Liz Earle MBE will headline a new event, ‘Let’s Talk Menopause in the Workplace’ taking place on Tuesday 7th May 2024 in the Belfast Cineworld Complex at Odyssey Place, which will explore the critical need for improved recognition and healthcare support of menopause in the workplace.

The renowned businesswoman, and founder of Liz Earle Wellbeing, will be joined by founder of Menopause NI Siobhan Kearney and journalist and menopause campaigner Kate Muir as they address senior business leaders and HR professionals aboutrecognising and prioritising the issue.

A local medical expert will offer invaluable insights on medical aspects ofthe peri-menopause and menopause, along with practical advice aimed at both supporting women with menopausal symptoms and guiding colleagues and managers to address the workplace impacts effectively.

The event, supported by Linwoods, Ulster University, Cool FM and nijobfinde r, willoffer thought leadership on how businesses can put in place menopause-friendly policies, working conditions and healthcare support structures.

It will discuss how local workplaces can assist with access to better healthcare and a more inclusive culture to halt the talent drain of highly skilled and experienced staff in today’s competitive working environment.

Business leaders and HR professionals will also receive essential knowledge regarding the legalities, resources and strategies required to foster open dialogues with colleagues and help them support women navigating the menopausal journey from Aisling Byrne from A&L Goodbody.

Businesswoman and health and wellbeing authority, Liz Earle MBE said: “Menopausal women are the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce but it is evident that many still feel uncomfortable speaking about the menopause and the associated symptoms with managers and colleagues. We have to remove that stigma and educating and advising leaders on how they make their business more inclusive is a key strategy.

“Employers have a responsibility for the health and wellbeing of their colleagues and I have no doubt this event will help raise awareness of the needs of women experiencing the menopause so businesses in Northern Ireland can offer the necessary support to help keep them in work.”

A panel discussion will also form part of the programme for the event, featuring a number of key experts and menopause advocates, as well as a case study highlighting the experience of navigating the menopause whilst holding a position in a busy workplace environment.

Siobhan Kearney, Founder of Menopause NI added: “I am delighted to be speaking at this brand-new event. Raising awareness of the impact that peri-menopause and menopause can have in the work environment is imperative for fostering a greater understanding of the challenges colleagues can experience.

“I would encourage the business community to join the discussion and be proactive in their approach to supporting colleagues in the workplace. By building knowledge and understanding of the impact that menopause can have, and putting in place practical supports, businesses will make sure that they continue to be a workplace of choice.”

For more information about Let’s Talk Menopause in the Workplace and book tickets visit letstalkmenopauseni.com