Celebrating World Menopause Day

Today is World Menopause Day. We think that gives lots to celebrate. Here are some of the things that make us want to bring some cakes to the office, put up some banners and light a few sparklers. 

1. The world is taking notice. World Menopause Day began 13 years ago. This year it feels like it has more attention than ever. With contributions coming from TV programmes, books and the presence of well known figures in public debates and awareness raising exercises, menopause at work feels like it’s a more and more open conversation that is driving awareness and change.
2. Things are changing. More and more organisations and individuals have signed the Menopause at work pledge and we are seeing more and more large scale organisations develop influential and effective frameworks.
   
3. The impact of Menopause is understood in more and more ways. This year’s focus on Cognition and Mood reflects a more nuanced understanding of the ways in which Menopause can impact on everyday life and performance. Bringing this understanding into the workplace is a vital pillar in supporting wellbeing around Menopause.
4. Supporting Menopause is seen as an economic opportunity as much as a health challenge. Seeing the provision of support for Menopause as an opportunity rather than a cost helps change the terms of the conversation. In the words of Menopause expert Kate Muir
   

   “the men in the boardroom are keen to be allies, but it’s when they hear the economic argument that their eyes light up. Perhaps they will be the agents of change.”

5. Building on this, here at Cognomie we are seeing more and more organisations supporting menopause as part of a wider framework of support for women in organisations as they enter a leadership stage of their career and life journey. Using transformational coaching to disentangle the challenges arising from menopause from other workplace challenges is just one way in which this life stage can actually become an opportunity for women to unlock their potential and move forwards in their careers. 

Whenever there are cakes and banners and celebrations there should be wishes as well. We feel joyfully positive and optimistic around the ways in which the conversations and actions around Menopause are becoming louder, more nuanced and more effective. We hope that this doesn’t represent a temporary trend but instead is the beginning of a fundamental change around an issue that can have a dramatic impact on a huge percentage of the working population at a life stage when their contribution to the workplace and the economy can be greater than ever. So here’s a toast not just to this World Menopause Day, but to the years of them ahead.