SGWN: World Menopause Day Event

• 1 in 6 employees will consider leaving paid employment due to Menopause symptoms and 1 in 12 will leave paid employment due to unmanageable menopausal symptoms! 
• $134 Million is the total cost to the tax payer in the public service ALONE when Women leave the workforce due to Menopause (eg hiring processes, re-training people, many Women leave their jobs with years of knowledge and experience).

Sadly menopause plays a role in divorce and suicide rates as well. We need to start treating menopause as a temporary health condition and not a performance issue. 

Sarka discussed the combination of outside factors that can exacerbate symptoms and how taking a holistic approach to the wider picture of your health and lifestyle can help.

Anne talked about some proactive actions you can take to have more control over this period in your life.

Key takeaways 

• Menopause indirectly affects 100% of the population
• Menopause should be treated as a health condition not a performance issue
• Guidelines, policy and workplace resources are necessary for people leaders, employers and employees alike
• Educate, train, discuss, raise awareness, create networks and peer support groups
• Menopause symptoms can be exacerbated by stress, diet and lifestyle choices
• We can be kind and gentle with ourselves but also be proactive and accountable for our own health and well being
• We do have the ability to heal and are designed to do that if supported in the right way
• Take control - make a plan with your health professional or menopause specialist 
• Create a support group and embed ‘menopause ambassadors’ within your organisation