Opening up the Conversation: Menopause in the Workplace

As part of Menopause Awareness Month, E3 Recruitment recently hosted a Lunch & Learn session for clients, suppliers, and colleagues, led by women’s health and menopause specialist Alex Hall. The session explored how open discussion, practical adjustments, and inclusive culture can transform the experience of menopause at work, particularly within manufacturing and engineering environments.

Why Awareness Matters

Menopause is a natural life stage, but for many, it brings physical, emotional, and cognitive changes that can affect daily life. Common symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, poor sleep, and hot flushes can make concentration, performance, and confidence more difficult to maintain.

With over 75% of women experiencing menopausal symptoms, and one in four considering leaving their job because of them, the workplace response has never been more important. In manufacturing and engineering, where roles are often physically demanding or safety-critical, understanding and support are essential.

When businesses approach menopause openly and practically, they:

• Retain experienced, skilled employees who might otherwise leave the workforce.

• Improve wellbeing, engagement, and trust across all teams.

• Strengthen their reputation as inclusive and supportive employers.

Insights from the Session

The Lunch & Learn session encouraged attendees to reflect on how even small changes can make a meaningful difference. Discussions covered:

• Creating safe and supportive environments, from access to fans and water stations to reviewing shift patterns, uniform fabrics, and rest break policies.

• The power of inclusive language, avoiding offhand humour or dismissive remarks and instead focusing on empathy and understanding.

• Psychological safety, ensuring confidentiality, building trust, and encouraging wellbeing champions to keep conversations going.

• HR’s role in driving change, from reviewing policies and PPE suitability to providing training and ensuring access to occupational health support.

Reflecting on the event, Alex Hall shared:

“Creating menopause-friendly workplaces isn’t about special treatment; it’s about understanding and flexibility. When we give people the confidence to speak openly and managers the tools to respond sensitively, everyone benefits. It builds trust, reduces turnover, and fosters healthier, happier teams.”

E3 Recruitment’s Commitment

At E3 Recruitment, we see every day how vital it is for manufacturers to attract, engage, and retain experienced people. Supporting employees through life stages such as menopause is a key part of that.

Tracie Norton, Director at E3 Recruitment commented:

“The conversation around menopause at work is long overdue. As a business that partners closely with manufacturers across the UK, we’re committed to helping clients create environments where every individual feels supported, valued, and able to thrive. Awareness and empathy must be built into the culture of every organisation, that’s how you retain great people.”

Continuing the Conversation

To support ongoing awareness, E3 Recruitment has created two practical guides designed for both individuals and employers:
Understanding Menopause – a wellbeing guide offering advice on managing symptoms, maintaining confidence, and building personal support networks.
Menopause in the Workplace – a resource for HR and leadership teams on creating safe environments, reviewing policies, and embedding inclusion into day-to-day culture.

Download the Resources

Complete the form below to access both guides directly. They include helpful advice, workplace tips, and links to trusted resources such as the CIPD Menopause Hub, ACAS Guidance, and The Menopause Charity.

By downloading these materials, you’ll gain practical tools to help you start conversations, make meaningful changes, and build a workplace culture that truly supports everyone.