Menopause at work: how to support colleagues

Short answer: menopause usually falls between 45 and 55, often at the peak of a career. Hot flushes, poor sleep and forgetfulness can make work hard, but there is a lot you can do: a cool workplace, flexible hours, an open conversation, occupational health and good information for the colleague herself.

What do colleagues in menopause notice?

The best known symptom is hot flushes, which about 8 in 10 women get. Night sweats and poor sleep, fatigue, mood changes, trouble concentrating and joint pain are common too. Read hot flushes: what helps? and the difference between perimenopause and menopause.

What employers can put in place

• A cool workplace: a window that opens, a fan, a desk near a window.
• Clothing: allow breathable fabric or layers in uniforms.
• Flexible hours: start later or work from home after a bad night.
• An open conversation: managers who know the subject and where to refer.
• Occupational health: can advise on adjustments and refer.
• Policy: mention menopause in your health policy. ISO 45010 gives guidance, read what ISO 45010 asks.

What helps the colleague herself

Knowing what is happening and when, and going to the GP well prepared. Someone who logs when hot flushes come and how she sleeps sees patterns and can make the GP appointment concrete. Read how to prepare for the GP.

PERIOD. for colleagues in menopause

In PERIOD., colleagues in perimenopause or menopause log hot flushes in one tap, track symptoms and make a report for their GP. With PERIOD. at work your whole team gets PERIOD. plus, anonymously: the employer sees nothing personal. More about the menopause tools at PERIOD. meno.

Sources: NHS, Menopause; Thuisarts.nl (NHG), Overgang; ISO 45010:2026. This article is general information, not medical or legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

At what age do women go through menopause?

Usually between 45 and 55. The last period is around 51 on average; symptoms can start years earlier.

What helps most at work?

A cool workplace, flexible hours and a manager who has the conversation. Occupational health can advise.

Does the employer see what colleagues log in PERIOD.?

No. Employees use the app with their own account; the employer sees nothing personal.

Want to support colleagues in menopause? See PERIOD. at work or book a 15 minute call.