There have been a few remarks on other threads about the Labour Party idea to ask employers to help their employees who are going through the menopause. The remarks have been along the lines of how bad for business this policy would be.
Would that really be the case?
I have been thinking of a few ideas.
A woman has hot flushes.
The options are to ignore them and work on through, but with reduced concentration because of discomfort. Or the employer could, if asked, provide a desktop fan, thus increasing comfort, and so increasing productivity.
Sometimes tummy troubles can be one of the symptoms. Should a woman phone in sick or could she ask the employer to discreetly move her work station closer to the toilets. Sick days avoided therefore increased productivity.
Synthetic fabric uniforms can increase discomfort and therefore reduce productive work, no one can do their best if they are uncomfortable. If an employer could provide a different uniform, made of natural fibres that would again increase productivity.
Just a few quick examples, these ideas to improve the lives of workers are not always negative for employers, but can have positive benefits for both sides.
The menopause exists, ignoring its symptoms will not make them go away, why not try to reduce their impact on women at work?