Menopause in the Workplace: WTW hosts key event at Airmic

WTW supports women across all stages of their lives, and this most certainly includes through the menopause.

"With an increased focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace, the menopause continues to be top of the health and wellbeing priority list. Despite the significant progress that has been made in the corporate world, this topic remains taboo and difficult for many to talk openly about," says WTW.

Such an important topic, WTW has a guide that looks at the different stages of menopause, common symptoms and treatments, its impact on the workplace, and what employers can do to provide practical support to those suffering from menopausal symptoms.

WTW hosted a Women in Business Lunch in partnership with asset valuation and advisory firm Rushtons International at the Airmic 2023 Conference. The lunch event saw Author and Producer, Kate Muir, as the speaker - a woman who has set about to actively challenge menopause taboos. Kate is a women’s health expert, documentary maker, and author of books on the menopause and the pill. The event formed part of Airmic, an annual conference that connects the Risk and Insurance community. The three-day conference sees professionals share experiences, develop knowledge and skills, network with peers and like-minded professionals, and collaborate to help shape the future.

Addressing menopause in the workplace is key

With many women worldwide choosing to leave their workplace due to the impact of the menopause, Kate discussed some of the many the challenges, and also opportunities, regarding this topic. Kate also looked at what organizations and managers can do to support women's midlife change, both at work and at home.

"I've made two documentaries with Davina McCall for Channel 4 about the subject, and I've also written a book titled Everything You Need to Know About the Menopause (but were too afraid to ask). One in 10 women are leaving the jobs because of menopause symptoms, and that really doesn't need to happen. I'm going to explain how to deal with it, how to talk to your colleagues, and how we don't really need to worry about symptoms at all, there are plenty of solutions," explains Kate.

Kate has authored a book, Everything You Need to Know About the Menopause (but were too afraid to ask). She pitched and produced a documentary for Channel 4, Davina McCall’s Pill Revolution, investigating contraception chaos.

This follows two award-winning menopause documentaries, Davina McCall: Sex, Myths and the Menopause and Davina McCall: Sex, Mind and the Menopause for Channel 4 current affairs.

Her next book is Everything You Need to Know About the Pill (but were too afraid to ask).

Kate was chief film critic of The Times for seven years, and is the author of three novels.

She is an expert public speaker on women’s health, the menopause and contraception, and an activist for The Menopause Charity.