Davina McCall’s menopause documentary will increase demand for support, says expert

Davina McCall’s Channel 4 documentary is expected to create an increased demand for employee menopause support, as 88 per cent say the symptoms affect work

Despite the general menopause discussion growing louder, recent research from Peppy, a digital health platform that offers employees access to remote support, has found that 78 per cent of employees with menopause symptoms admit they have not spoken about menopause at work.

However, the company believes that employers should anticipate an increase in demand for workplace menopause support following Davina McCall’s new documentary for Channel 4, The Menopause Brain Drain.

The programme highlights how declining hormone levels during the menopause years can be associated with sudden forgetfulness and a lack of concentration, most-commonly referred to as ‘brain fog’.

 

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Of the 548 respondents to Peppy’s survey of employees experiencing menopausal symptoms, the findings showed that 80 per cent had sleep problems, 78 per cent had brain fog, 73 per cent had anxiety, and 67 per cent had difficulty focusing.

In the same time, 88 per cent of employees said that perimenopause or menopause affected their ability to work.

“Brain fog – and the forgetfulness, self-doubt and imposter syndrome that may come with it – is an issue that workplaces need to take seriously,” says Kathy Abernethy, menopause specialist and director of menopause services at Peppy. “What’s more, brain fog and other symptoms of menopause are not just limited to a short period of people’s lives. They can begin months or even years before periods stop and persist for an average of four years or more.”

“Davina’s recent documentary will undoubtedly give some employees additional confidence about speaking to their employer about how brain fog is impacting their working life,” the expert adds. “Employees need to be prepared, as for some, this will be an enormous step with associated concerns about how they will be perceived going forwards.”

Peppy explains that some employees may forget what they are saying mid-sentence and for others, a seemingly simple task can turn into one that takes much longer than expected. This can create immense stress and anxiety in anticipation of meetings, deadlines and everyday work. Employees may also doubt their ability, value and performance, or consider taking sick days, changing job or leaving the workplace altogether.

Of the employees who had spoken to their employer about their symptoms, 38 per cent asked for flexible working or remote working and 36 per cent asked for support with emotional wellbeing.

“Company-wide training and education is a really important first step in supporting employees with the symptoms of menopause,” Abernethy explains.

“If an employee wants to speak up or ask for help and their line manager’s only knowledge of menopause is hot flushes, it’s not going to be a productive conversation. Employers and managers need to be empowered with the knowledge to confidently have these discussions and crucially, to also understand the pathway of support available.”

Other means to support staff include appointing menopause champions for raising awareness and breaking down stigma, offering confidential, clinically led menopause and wellbeing support and recommending trusted resources for advice.

“Supporting menopausal employees must start with awareness, helping them and those around them understand why they are suffering from brain fog,” Abernethy continues. “The second step is support with how to manage the symptoms, and that requires practical guidance and expert support. Taking these steps will help employers reap the rewards of a happier, healthier and more diverse workforce.”

For more information, visit peppy.health.