Eat to thrive: employee nutrition workshops for menopause awareness

How To Support Menopause In The Workplace: Healthy Eating and Wellbeing Initiatives

Companies are increasingly facing the challenge of how to support menopause in the workplace. The impact perimenopause and menopause can have has recently been recognised and the implications within the workplace are wide-reaching. Providing healthy eating and wellbeing workshops is a powerful way to proactively support employees with menopause. They can also have a positive impact on the workplace in general.

Menopause itself is not considered a protected characteristic in terms of employment law. However, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)’s guidance for employers on the menopause states that, ‘if menopause symptoms have a long term and substantial impact on a woman’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities, these symptoms could be considered a disability.’

The impact of menopause on a woman’s ability to work effectively

Menopause symptoms range from mild to severe, and include hot flashes, tiredness, mood swings, and cognitive changes. Women can find it hard to concentrate and their recall might be impaired. Absenteeism may increase. A Simply Health survey found that ‘23% of working women have considered quitting due to the impact of menopause or menstrual symptoms at work’ and 87% want their employer to be more supportive of women’s health.

Menopause awareness in the workplace

Employers need to consider how they address menopause awareness in the workplace and implementing policies to support their employees. Women experiencing menopause may need additional support and colleagues will need educating about the signs, symptoms, and related issues. This should lead to a more supportive, inclusive environment and a more productive workforce overall.

Many companies are offering educational materials and training to help support their employees. Physical and mental wellbeing can suffer during menopause: nutrition is a key area where companies can make a difference. Focusing on nutrition and general wellbeing also provides valuable resources to the rest of the workforce at the same time.

How does healthy eating help at work and during the menopause?

Healthy eating and wellbeing initiatives can serve several purposes. People who eat healthily and look after their general wellbeing tend to make happier, healthier, more productive employees. Healthy eating at work can alleviate stress, improve mental and physical health, and lead to more energy.

Diet can influence our hormone levels, energy, mood, and overall health and this is especially relevant during menopause. Diet during menopause can make a significant difference. Some foods have been shown to improve symptoms, others can make them much worse. Educating your employees on nutrition is one way to encourage open and respectful conversations about menopause.

Healthy eating workshops in the workplace

Workplace wellness workshops focused on menopause and nutrition can be both educational and fun. They are seen as a perk and can lead to improved wellbeing for all employees. Supporting employees suffering from menopause symptoms with nutritional wellbeing sessions can lead to better productivity and greater job satisfaction. Educating others helps create an inclusive and supportive workplace environment and can lead to better nutrition, wellbeing, and productivity throughout a business.

We offer two-hour, half-day, and full-day events with a qualified healthy-eating teacher. Attendees learn what ingredients can lead to better health and help manage menopause symptoms. They also prepare and eat delicious, easy-to-make, healthy food.  We can create bespoke programmes as necessary.

If you would like to support your employees through menopause with a fun workshop that shows you care and benefits your company, why not get in touch? We cover the southeast of the UK and beyond. Please just contact us for more details.