University of Westminster launches Understanding Menopause at Westminster report

The Women of Westminster Colleagues Network (WOW), in collaboration with researchers Dr Anna Cheshire and Dr Tina Cartwright from the School of Social Sciences, and former Westminster researcher Penny Clark, held the in-person launch on 22 November. The event was opened by Kumari Juddoo and Sobia Razzaq, Co-chairs of WOW, and was followed by a presentation from Dr Cartwright about the complexities of menopause and what the report revealed about people’s experiences, level of awareness at Westminster and what people would like to see changed to support them in the workplace.

Menopause marks the end of menstruation as a result of a change in hormone levels, with around 80-90% of people experiencing symptoms, which for some significantly can impact quality of life. There are over 30 symptoms of menopause, meaning people experience it differently, causing a lot of uncertainty for many, especially for those who begin menopause earlier in life. The average age for menopause in the UK is 51, but this varies and people can start to experience symptoms (perimenopause) up to 10 years earlier. 

During her presentation, Dr Cartwright emphasised the importance of considering menopause in the workplace, as research has found that 59% of working women between the ages of 45 and 55 with menopause symptoms are negatively impacted at work, with many reluctant to disclose symptoms for fear of discrimination.  

The team surveyed 169 people and held focus groups and interviews with 21 others from across the University to delve deeper into the issue. The research found that 30% of participants reported significant impacts from their symptoms, with the symptoms having the biggest impact on work being joint and muscle discomfort, anxiety and sleep issues. 

When asked about the impact of menopause symptoms in the workplace, three core themes came up. Firstly, people were concerned over lowered productivity during working hours and a need for time off as a result of symptoms. Secondly, many worried about their career progression, either due to some managerial staff not understanding the symptoms, or due to a personal loss of confidence caused by menopause. The final factor was challenges handling certain work situations, as sometimes menopause comes with symptoms like hot flushes and an increase in irritability. Whilst managers were seen to play a key role in supporting staff, most survey participants had not disclosed their menopause symptoms to their manager. 

Thanks to the report, the University has an indication of what action must be taken to help people feel comfortable and supported within the workplace. Andy Norris, Head of Culture and Inclusion at Westminster, followed Dr Cartwright at the launch event and explained what can change at the University to make a positive difference. He revealed that this could be clear signposting of where to find information, building menopause into compulsory e-learning courses, encouraging open conversations and developing a Menopause Policy. The policy will aim to offer definitions, reasonable adjustments, support and resources to help people understand menopause more and create a more open and comfortable space for all.

One key plan to improve the workplace at Westminster is to offer training for managers, some of which will be on demand when needed. The training is set to help those in senior positions understand what their colleagues could be going through and give them the tools to offer support.

The event was rounded off with a Q&A and final words from Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Bonfield, who funded the report, to highlight how Westminster is determined to continue to make positive steps to ensure all people working at Westminster feel comfortable and supported.

The event was repeated online on 27 November to make the information about menopause more accessible, with Dr Anna Cheshire presenting the findings of the report.

Read the School of Social Sciences’ Understanding Menopause Report.

Get in touch with Women of Westminster to get involved with the Network.