'Menopause only happens to white women': getting real about ‘The Change’

As this year’s World Menopause Day shines a light on brain fog and memory issues - should we recognise the super power of menopausal women in a world of uncertainty and ambiguity?

This year’s World Menopause Day theme is brain fog and memory loss. In the spirit of driving change, and with support from my fellow Bloom members, I am lifting the lid on this issue in the context of the challenges and opportunities in our workplaces.

There is an understandable fear that sharing these experiences may negatively affect careers. It is especially difficult in our industry where change is constant. There is perhaps an expectation that in order to thrive you need to be capable of dealing with pace.

You can read the full article here with perspectives from Bloom members - https://the-media-leader.com/menopause-only-happens-to-white-women-getting-real-about-the-change/

At the same time as opening up the conversation and sharing experiences, it is also important to challenge assumptions. The menopause is one of the biggest life changes women go through and that experience also provides huge value.

In our industry, we associate change with speed. However, to deal with change you also need to be capable of dealing with uncertainty and ambiguity. Brain fog is the very manifestation of these things, so these women are going through something incredibly relevant to the times that we are in.

All the menopausal women I have spoken to over the years agree that alongside the more negative symptoms there is a sense of a new lease of life where you can do things differently.

The idea of doing things differently speaks to the benefits of employing a diverse workforce. It is broadly acknowledged that employing people from different backgrounds provides tangible business value.

On World Menopause Day, it is important to recognise and support women going through these changes.

Sue Todd CEO of NABS says “Talk about it. Create safe spaces for conversations. The stigma and fear needs to be eradicated. Menopause policies are a great way forward.”

Bloom MPower has created such a policy for all organisations to use - the Bloom Menofesto. You can download this policy here: https://www.bloomnetwork.uk/menofesto

Bloom Mpower has also established a unique employee nominated accreditation, so that those companies that are truly doing right for their female employees can receive an Mpower accreditation in recognition of their efforts.. 

Bloom hope to see many more companies being awarded this accreditation.

For more information about Menopause at work, together with expert advice on treatments and support check out the Demystifying the Menopause Podcast”   https://open.spotify.com/episode/5hkgLstNozoBJX2Z1jNVqk

Written by Anna Sampson, Bloom Mpower member.

Founder of Anna Sampson Consulting and was previously insight and strategy director at magazine marketing body Magnetic.