Navigating Menopause in the Workplace with Jodi Woodroff
In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked challenge of navigating menopause in the workplace with Jodi, a passionate advocate for menopause-friendly workplaces. From her personal journey of experiencing unexplained symptoms while in an executive role to her transformation into a champion for workplace change, Jodi shares candid insights about the critical intersection of menopause and professional life. Her story illuminates the urgent need for better workplace support and understanding, especially given that 80% of women experiencing menopause are in the workforce.
Key Takeaways:
The Hidden Impact
Three out of four women experience menopause symptoms, with one in four considering leaving their jobs due to these challenges. The most common workplace impacts include anxiety, brain fog, and loss of confidence – symptoms that often interconnect and compound each other.
Breaking the Silence
While menopause affects the fastest-growing demographic in the workplace, many women struggle to initiate conversations with managers about their needs. The key is preparation: choosing the right time, focusing on work impacts, and suggesting specific adjustments that could help.
Creating Supportive Workplaces
Essential elements of a menopause-friendly workplace include awareness and education for all staff, flexible work options, supportive policies, and practical accommodations like quiet rooms or better ventilation. Small changes can make significant differences.
Economic Impact
With one in ten women leaving their jobs due to menopause symptoms, the cost to businesses and women's long-term financial security is substantial. This talent drain affects not just individual careers but also organisational knowledge and leadership pipelines.
Ready to take action?
Whether you're experiencing menopause symptoms at work or are in a position to create positive change in your workplace, the time to act is now. Start by educating yourself and others about menopause's workplace impacts. Remember, you're not alone. 80% of women go through menopause while working, and there's growing support for workplace accommodations and understanding.
To learn more about creating menopause-friendly workplaces or to find resources for your organisation, connect with Menopause Friendly Australia, which offers training and support for both individuals and organisations ready to make a difference.
Website: https://menopausefriendly.au/
https://menopausefriendly.au/home/learn-more/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/menopause-friendly-australia/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodiwoodroff/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menopausefriendly_au/
Email: jodi@menopausefriendly.com.au
You can also find me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ and LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joclarkcoaching/
Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first.
