How to talk to your boss about menopause, according to Pip Edwards

‘Knowledge is power’

Dove, Menopause Friendly Australia and fashion mogul Pip Edwards have joined forces to help women nationwide. Image: Supplied

• In the article

• Key findings from Dove Menopause Insights 2024

• Pip Edwards experience with perimenopause

• Inside Dove's latest microsite providing support and resources for women

This World Menopause Day, the spotlight on such a prevalent pillar of women’s health has never been brighter. To coincide with the growing menopause momentum, Dove, Menopause Friendly Australia and fashion mogul Pip Edwards have joined forces to help women nationwide. 

Despite making the rounds in mainstream media over the last couple of years, Menopause continues to be defined by stigma – especially when it comes to women’s productivity, creativity and relevance once they’re out of their child-bearing years. 

To mark this year’s World Menopause Day, Dove has teamed up with Menopause Friendly Australia to release a series of insights into how Aussie women are experiencing perimenopause, menopause and life post-menopause. 

Among the findings are particularly disappointing statistics on how unsupported menopausal women are experiencing disruption in the workplace, substantially impacting their career progression and productivity. 

How women really feel about menopause at work

The research found 55 per cent of Aussie women have quit or reduced their work hours due to a lack of support surrounding menopause, despite the fact that 62 per cent of women surveyed were willing to speak openly about menopause at work – a revelation that undermines the stigma people still associate with women’s issues. 

“The lack of existing workplace support is concerning; just 8 per cent said awareness training was offered in their workplace and 6 per cent had a menopause policy,” shares the CEO of Menopause Friendly Australia, Grace Molloy. 

“When it comes to how menopause is impacting women at work, unfortunately, the results didn’t shock me, we hear stories every day from women struggling at work.”

“Many women said having a manager who understands more about menopause would help, there’s no surprise there! This really shows that education is the key here, this gives women more confidence to ask for what they need at work, and often it’s as simple as a desk fan or a later start time.”

To drive their message to women across Australia, Dove has also teamed up with former P.E. Nation mogul Pip Edwards, whose stress-filled and largely unsupported experience with perimenopause inspired her to jump aboard the movement. 

Knowing exactly how this stage of life can impact a woman’s career and sense of self, Edwards is urging women of all ages to learn as much as they can about menopause, including how to best advocate for their needs in the workplace.  

“I really struggled through my perimenopause journey, I didn’t know where to turn to for help or information. Menopause is a completely natural and common experience and we shouldn’t be made to feel like we are going through it alone,” shares Edwards. 

“Knowledge is power, and it gives us the strength to take back control of our health and demand the support we deserve.”

While every person – regardless of age, gender or proximity to menopause – could benefit from increasing their knowledge on the matter, Dove, Menopause Friendly and Edwards are particularly keen on improving support systems in the workplace for women. 

Pip Edwards wants women to take control of their menopause experience. Image: Supplied

Why are workplaces lacking menopause support for women?

While the conversation around menopause has certainly exploded over the last 12 months, with public figures and celebrities speaking openly about their experiences, abolishing the stigma entirely will no doubt require more time, attention and voices. 

“One of the more common misconceptions is that menopause is something we just have to put up with in silence. While it can be difficult at times, it is a very normal part of life and definitely something that should be spoken about!” Says Molloy. 

“Workplaces are realising that they have a lot to gain from providing resources and increasing awareness. Because there remains a taboo around menopause, some people don’t feel comfortable talking about it at work. We can break this stigma and taboo down by normalising the conversation and training managers on how to have a supportive conversation.”

Dove’s new online hub dedicated to Menopause

To continue driving change, Dove has launched a dedicated microsite alongside Menopause Friendly to promote supportive conversations, offering key research findings, conversation starters and free downloadable resources – such as a template menopause policy.

“We developed this microsite in collaboration with Dove to provide practical tools for both individuals and employers impacted by menopause,” Molloy explains. “The goal is to make it easier for everyone to talk about menopause at work – whether you are experiencing it or supporting a team member.”

The microsite includes a range of free downloadable content, such as a menopause symptom tracker, conversation guides for women and managers and a downloadable menopause policy template for workplaces. 

Originally published as How to talk to your boss about menopause, according to Pip Edwards