LSH Auto champions menopause support in the workplace

As part of its ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, LSH Auto, the dealership group behind Mercedes-Benz of Stockport, has launched a new policy, toolkit and training to support people going through the menopause in the workplace.

An Inclusive Management Workshop will be held for all departmental leaders, with a particular focus on gender equality, menopause and culture.

The training comes alongside World Menopause Day, which is held annually on 18 October and aims to break taboo and improve women’s health and wellbeing by raising awareness about the symptoms of menopause and the support options available.

The menopause is a natural phase of life when women stop having periods and experience hormonal changes such as a decrease in oestrogen levels. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and typically lasts between four and eight years, although it can last longer.

Every experience will be different and menopausal symptoms can begin before the age of 40 years, commonly known as perimenopause. For some women the menopause may be medically induced: surgery, such as a hysterectomy, and chemotherapy can affect women at younger age groups, creating severe symptoms.

The symptoms of menopause can include hot flushes, sweats, body odour, bloating, weight gain, anxiety, depression, low mood, mood swings, sleep disturbance, fatigue, dizziness, headaches or migraines, aches and pains, memory loss, lack of concentration, heavy menstruation, UTIs and changes to skin or acne.

Tracy Ellam (pictured), Operations Director for LSH Auto, said:

“With the right support, there’s no need for women to press pause on their career during this natural transition. However, many women will continue to suffer in silence unless we reduce the stigma around menopause and create a culture where colleagues feel comfortable talking about menopause and discussing their concerns.

“The symptoms of menopause can affect a colleague’s comfort and consequently their performance at work. We have a duty to provide a safe and comfortable working environment, so we need to be open to implementing adjustments and providing additional support for those experiencing symptoms.”

The new policy, toolkit and training will outline the importance of achieving a comfortable working environment for colleagues, reasonable adjustments that could be made to temperature control, uniform and breaks, and flexible working options.