Leadership Menopause In The Workplace: The Final Taboo Natalie Cornish finds out how menopause stigma can be a career killer – and why now, more than ever, businesses have a duty to help end the taboo. By Natalie Cornish Leadership Natalie Cornish finds out how menopause stigma can be a career killer – and why now, more than ever, businesses have a duty to help end the taboo. By Natalie Cornish Previous article How Food Is Transforming The Beauty Industry Next article Cultural Cool: Architect Ingrid Richards On Building Better Cities The workforce is changing. We’re living longer, and spending more of that time in employment. Recent statistics show an increase in the number of women aged 45 and over working full-time in Australia. And while businesses are becoming attuned to many women’s needs – think maternity leave, flexible working for parents, expressing rooms for breastfeeding mothers and free sanitary items in communal bathrooms – acknowledgement and provision for a stage of life all women will experience is non-existent in most workplaces. Menopause really is the final taboo.Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, when a woman’s periods stop due to a natural decline in the hormone oestrogen. Symptoms are both physical and psychological: hot flushes, mood swings, forgetfulness, night sweats, vaginal dryness and a reduced libido are all common. Dr Elizabeth Farrell, Medical Director and gynaecologist at The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health, says it’s important to note that “no two women will experience menopause in the same way”. leadershipworkplace Best Of Future Women Diamond Meet the leaders: Erin Vincent By Odessa Blain Diamond Meet the leaders: Malini Raj By Odessa Blain Diamond Meet the leaders: Azmeena Hussain By Odessa Blain Diamond Meet the leaders: Shannan Dodson By Odessa Blain Diamond Meet the leaders: Elly Desmarchelier By Odessa Blain Equity A sneak peek inside the sold-out budget event By Odessa Blain Equity Inside the shared joke between Gallagher and Wong By Odessa Blain Leadership “Let’s lower the bar”: Why this CEO wants women to do a whole lot less By FW Your inbox just got smarter If you’re not a member, sign up to our newsletter to get the best of Future Women in your inbox.
