TV presenter Davina McCall has backed a pioneering kit to help workplaces respond better to the menopause - developed by a charity alongside Lancaster University.
A new free online resource called MENO-kit - launched today - is the UK's first evidence-based menopause toolkit.
It will help employers across the UK respond more effectively to menopause in the workplace, boosting retention, improving wellbeing and helping to build more inclusive workplace cultures.
MENO-Kit is being launched by Wellbeing of Women in partnership with the university.
The launch is marked by an online event featuring a keynote from the Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson, Minister of State for Employment, a live demonstration of MENO-kit by Dr Abby Morris from Lancaster University, and a discussion on practical approaches to creating menopause-supportive workplaces.
“We’re delighted to launch Meno-Kit which represents an important step forward in supporting organisations across the UK to take a proactive and informed approach to menopause in the workplace," said Dr Morris, lecturer in Workplace Health and Wellbeing.
Dr Abby Morris
“By providing practical tools, evidence-based guidance and a structured framework for action, the resource will help organisations develop effective menopause action plans, foster more inclusive and supportive workplace cultures, and better support women experiencing menopause to remain healthy, engaged and thriving at work.
"We believe MENO-Kit has the potential to drive meaningful organisational change while improving the everyday working lives and wellbeing of women across the UK workforce.”
Dame Diana Johnson said: "Women deserve workplaces that support them through every stage of life, and too many are missing out on that support when they need it most.
"Menopause costs our economy billions each year in lost talent, but more than that, it costs women the dignity, independence and purpose that good work brings. Resources like MENO-Kit will gives employers the practical tools to change that, and I encourage every organisation to take advantage of it to support women in their business to thrive."
Davina McCall, Wellbeing of Women Ambassador, said: “Menopause shouldn’t be something women hide or struggle with alone at work or anywhere.
"It’s a normal life stage, not a personal failing. By talking about menopause openly and putting the right support in place, workplaces can make a huge difference to women’s wellbeing, confidence and careers enabling them to thrive at work.”
Designed to support whole organisations, MENO-Kit is a multimedia resource for managers, HR and Occupational Health teams, EDI leads, trade unions and employees. It includes four practical modules covering menopause awareness, symptom management, menopause champion training and cognitive behavioural strategies.
MENO-kit has been informed by a series of research studies conducted by Lancaster University, the University of Nottingham and King’s College London. This included the UK’s first large scale study of women’s experience of menopause at work which identified key symptoms affecting working life, such as fatigue, poor concentration, low mood and hot flushes.
The toolkit has been rigorously tested in eight UK organisations spanning the public, private and charity sectors. In total, 2,162 people, mostly women in their mid-40s and 50s, contributed across the studies.
Janet Lindsay, Chief Executive at Wellbeing of Women, said: “Too many women still struggle in silence during menopause at work, with many employers lacking the tools to respond effectively.
"MENO-Kit addresses this gap, offering practical, evidence-based ways for organisations to better support their people. It helps women stay working, thrive, and realise their potential at work. We’re hugely grateful to the research teams whose expertise has made this possible.”
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