Men as Allies in Menstrual and Menopause Health
A supportive workplace benefits from inclusivity across the board – and that means involving everyone, including men, in menstrual and menopause health. When men participate as allies, they help normalise these conversations, reduce stigma, and foster a more empathetic working environment. This engagement creates lasting, positive change and builds healthier workplace cultures for everyone.
Data from Menopause Mandate highlights a critical need for this support: nearly half of women navigating menopause feel that their workplaces lack adequate understanding and accommodation. This figure underscores the vital role men can play in reshaping workplace norms around menopause and menstrual health.
The Power of Men as Allies: Why It Matters
When men approach these topics openly, they set a powerful example that can ripple across an organisation. Men who engage in conversations about menstrual and menopause health help create a supportive workplace where everyone feels seen and understood. A culture of inclusivity doesn’t just improve the environment for those directly experiencing hormonal health challenges; it builds trust, inspires empathy, and empowers all employees to show up as their authentic selves.
Ben Moreland, Menopause Champion at LV Insurance, captures the essence of this impact:
“Being a man talking menopause is liberating, and it increases confidence, which inspires inclusion. We know that inclusion is the best way to increase awareness, challenge the status quo, and generate new ways of looking at things in a safe and healthy way.”
This perspective emphasises how discussing menopause, a subject often kept private, can lead to broader workplace transformation and reduce feelings of isolation for so many.
Male Allies in Action: Key Strategies to Support Menstrual and Menopause Health
Supporting menstrual and menopause health at work goes beyond passive awareness; it requires proactive steps. Here are four impactful actions male allies can take:
Engage: Listening and Showing Empathy
The first step for male allies is to actively listen to the experiences of colleagues going through menopause or menstrual health challenges. Showing empathy acknowledges the significant impact these hormonal changes can have on well-being and productivity. When men take time to listen and validate these experiences, they demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and support.
Educate: Knowledge as the Foundation for Empathy
To create an inclusive environment, men should educate themselves about menopause and menstrual health. Understanding the real-life impacts, from disrupted sleep to cognitive difficulties, can help male colleagues respond with empathy and awareness. This foundational knowledge allows men to become supportive listeners and effective advocates.
Encourage Open Dialogue
Normalising conversations about menstrual and menopause health makes it easier for affected employees to seek the support they need. By encouraging open discussions, especially across the manager community, male allies can reduce the stigma surrounding these topics and foster a culture where it’s safe to discuss health-related needs. As Nick Todd, Head of Production at Zinc Media Group, observed during one of our workshops:
“You are clearly very expert in your field, and you facilitated the afternoon session for Managers with such energy, skill, and enthusiasm. I was especially pleased to see that my fellow middle-aged men were so engaged and compassionate!”
Such engagement can make a profound difference in workplaces, helping everyone feel included and heard.
Advocate for Policy Change
Men in leadership roles are uniquely positioned to influence workplace policies that support menstrual and menopause health. Leaders can champion flexible working hours, advocate for private wellness spaces, and ensure any policy is “practical, visible, live and inclusive.” Simple yet impactful adjustments demonstrate that organisations prioritise the wellbeing of all employees. In a survey by Bupa and CIPD, it was found that 900,000 women in the UK have left their jobs due to menopause symptoms. This stark statistic highlights the need for male-led advocacy to support retention through thoughtful policy adjustments.
Spotlight on Industry Leaders: How Our Partners Champion Menstrual Health
At empower4life, we are inspired by our client partnerships and are thrilled to highlight leaders in the field who are taking strides in menstrual and menopause health. This month, we are featuring Punch Pubs for their commitment to these practices, marking our third year of celebrating their progressive approach. Through dedicated case studies, we showcase how Punch Pubs integrates menstrual and menopause health considerations into their organisational culture, setting an example for others.
By prioritising these areas, our clients and partners are leading the way in transforming workplace culture, fostering a supportive and informed environment for all employees.
Conclusion: The Way Forward with Men as Allies
Creating a supportive workplace for menstrual and menopause health benefits everyone – men included. By actively engaging, educating themselves, fostering open dialogue, and advocating for change, male allies can play a transformative role. As more men join this effort, we look forward to a future where inclusivity around menstrual health and menopause challenges is not an afterthought but a foundational element in every workplace.
FAQs
What can male colleagues do to support menstrual and menopause health? Men can support by actively listening, educating themselves, encouraging open dialogue, and advocating for inclusive workplace policies.
How can managers help normalise conversations about menopause in the workplace? Managers can start by acknowledging menopause as a workplace issue and providing spaces for open discussions, promoting practical policies that support flexibility and wellness.
What are some practical changes that support menstrual and menopause health? Flexible working hours, private wellness spaces, and reasonable adjustment plans are practical examples of supportive changes.
Why is it important for men to get involved in menstrual and menopause health discussions?
Involvement from men helps reduce stigma, promotes empathy, and creates a more inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and supported. Everyone is affected by these hormonal challenges at some point either directly or indirectly.
How can male leaders influence workplace culture to support menstrual and menopause health?
Male leaders have a unique influence on organisational culture and can champion conversations, lived experiences, allyship and appropriate support that ensure menstrual and menopause health are part of the wellness agenda. By integrating supportive practices to become ‘normalised’ and ‘standard practice’, leaders not only set the tone for inclusivity but also encourage other men to view menstrual and menopause health as a shared responsibility.
Male allies in leadership positions also serve as role models, showing that support for women’s health is integral to a progressive, empathetic workplace. They can initiate or support training sessions on these topics, sponsor open conversations, and promote initiatives aimed at normalising discussions around menstrual and menopause health.
Empowering Change: Men as Allies in Menstrual and Menopause Health
Becoming an ally in menstrual and menopause health allows men to empower colleagues, reshape workplace culture, and contribute to a healthier, more inclusive environment. Men who engage openly in these topics break down barriers, fostering a culture where women can discuss their health needs without hesitation.
Moreover, supporting menstrual and menopause health in the workplace goes beyond individual compassion – it’s a business imperative. Studies show that companies with inclusive wellness policies experience higher employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity. When organisations address the needs of their workforce comprehensively, they create a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.
For organisations looking to develop or refine their approach to menstrual and menopause health, empower4life offers comprehensive resources and guidance. Our partnerships with forward-thinking organisations demonstrate that inclusivity in wellness policies is achievable and beneficial for all.
Closing Thoughts
By becoming allies, men can not only support their colleagues but also help build workplaces where openness, inclusivity, and empathy are the norm. With organisations like empower4life and organisations such as Punch Pubs leading the way, we can look forward to a future where menstrual and menopause health is universally respected, supported, and integrated into every aspect of workplace wellness.
