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Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Tackling the taboo in the UK
T2 - talking menopause-related problems at work
AU - Hardy, Claire
AU - Griffiths, Amanda
AU - Thorne, Eleanor
AU - Hunter, Myra S.
N1 - This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
PY - 2019/2/4
Y1 - 2019/2/4
N2 - Purpose: Women are typically reluctant to disclose menopause-related problems that may affect their working lives to line managers. Consequently, support may not be offered nor potential solutions explored. This study examines how working menopausal women would prefer to have conversations about the menopause at work.Design/methodology/approach: Using semi-structured telephone interviews working menopausal women (aged 45-60 years) were asked about their experiencing of talking about their menopause at work, and how helpful conversations might be initiated and conducted. Transcripts were analyzed thematically to identify factors that may facilitate or hinder such conversations.Findings: Two themes emerged: (i) organizational context. Facilitators included an open culture with friendly relationships, a knowledgeable and proactive manager, organization-wide awareness of the menopause and aging, and access to a nominated woman to discuss problems.Barriers included male-dominated workplaces, male line managers, fear of negative responses, stigma, discrimination, embarrassment or believing menopause is inappropriate to discuss at work; (ii) the nature of the discussion. Facilitators included managers demonstrating an understanding and acceptance of a woman's experience, jointly seeking acceptable solutions, respecting privacy and confidentiality, and appropriate use of humor, as opposed to being dismissive and using inappropriate body language. Discussions with suitable persons at work were preferred and being prepared was advised.Practical implications: These findings could inform training programs, workplace policies and practice.Originality/value: This study provides timely insights to help women and their managers discuss menopause-related difficulties at work and seek solutions together.
AB - Purpose: Women are typically reluctant to disclose menopause-related problems that may affect their working lives to line managers. Consequently, support may not be offered nor potential solutions explored. This study examines how working menopausal women would prefer to have conversations about the menopause at work.Design/methodology/approach: Using semi-structured telephone interviews working menopausal women (aged 45-60 years) were asked about their experiencing of talking about their menopause at work, and how helpful conversations might be initiated and conducted. Transcripts were analyzed thematically to identify factors that may facilitate or hinder such conversations.Findings: Two themes emerged: (i) organizational context. Facilitators included an open culture with friendly relationships, a knowledgeable and proactive manager, organization-wide awareness of the menopause and aging, and access to a nominated woman to discuss problems.Barriers included male-dominated workplaces, male line managers, fear of negative responses, stigma, discrimination, embarrassment or believing menopause is inappropriate to discuss at work; (ii) the nature of the discussion. Facilitators included managers demonstrating an understanding and acceptance of a woman's experience, jointly seeking acceptable solutions, respecting privacy and confidentiality, and appropriate use of humor, as opposed to being dismissive and using inappropriate body language. Discussions with suitable persons at work were preferred and being prepared was advised.Practical implications: These findings could inform training programs, workplace policies and practice.Originality/value: This study provides timely insights to help women and their managers discuss menopause-related difficulties at work and seek solutions together.
KW - work
KW - disclosure
KW - menopause
KW - talking
U2 - 10.1108/IJWHM-03-2018-0035
DO - 10.1108/IJWHM-03-2018-0035
M3 - Journal article
VL - 12
SP - 28
EP - 38
JO - International Journal of Workplace Health Management
JF - International Journal of Workplace Health Management
IS - 1
ER -