How to communicate your needs at the workplace
Menopause at the workplace: Challenges and opportunities
Menopause is a natural part of life that can bring challenges—even in the workplace. Symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, or mood swings can affect concentration and performance. How can you best manage this situation, and how can you bring up the topic if necessary?
Challenges at the workplace
Menopause is often a taboo topic, making communication difficult. Common challenges include:
- Lack of understanding: Not all colleagues or supervisors are aware of the effects of menopause.
- Stigmatization: Menopause is often associated with aging or a supposed loss of femininity.
- Fear of discrimination: Many women fear that being open about their health situation could negatively affect their careers.
Results from the MenoSupport Study 2023
Solutions: Communication as the Key
Open and respectful communication is crucial to overcoming these challenges. It is important to clearly express your needs while considering the perspective of the other party.
- Talk to your supervisor: Speaking about menopause may feel daunting, but it is essential! This is the only way your employer can support you and adjust your work environment. Here’s how to approach the conversation:
- Take notes: Write down how the symptoms impact your daily life. This ensures you convey the importance of receiving support.
- Schedule a private meeting: Tell your supervisor you want to discuss a personal matter and set up an appointment. This topic deserves time and discretion.
- Explain the situation: Many people know little about menopause. Educate yourself and share the facts with your supervisor.
- Propose solutions: Work with your supervisor to find ways to adjust your work environment to help you remain productive.
- Follow up: Schedule a follow-up meeting after a few months to evaluate the effectiveness of any adjustments. This helps your supervisor understand your needs and potentially raise awareness about the topic within the company.
- If you’re uncomfortable speaking directly with your supervisor, choose another trusted person within the organization.
Practical tips
- Clarity: State your needs clearly and without apology.
- Instead of: “I’m sorry that I need flexibility.”
- Say: “I want to communicate openly so I can perform my job to the best of my ability.”
- Respect: Communicate respectfully without placing blame, fostering a positive atmosphere.
- Specificity: Provide concrete examples or situations where you need support (e.g., flexible hours, access to an air-conditioned room).
- Solution-Oriented: Suggest realistic measures to enhance your work efficiency.
- Willingness to compromise: Show a readiness to find sustainable solutions together.
- Timing: Choose a quiet moment for the discussion to ensure a relaxed atmosphere.
- Discretion: Avoid sharing private details that are irrelevant.
Example communication
“I’d like to inform you about a health situation that occasionally affects how I work. It doesn’t prevent me from fulfilling my duties. To continue working efficiently, [specific measure] could be helpful. Thank you for your understanding.”
Viewing conflicts as opportunities
Menopause can also be a time of personal and professional growth. Workplace challenges provide an opportunity to strengthen relationships and improve communication skills. With the right approach, conflicts can be resolved constructively:
- Empathy: Consider the perspective of your colleagues or supervisors. They may have never encountered the topic of menopause before.
- Openness: Allow others to ask questions and familiarize themselves with the topic.
- Solution-focused: Collaborate to find mutually beneficial solutions.
Practicing quick-wittedness
Unfortunately, careless comments or jokes can occur in the workplace. Quick-wittedness helps you respond confidently. Examples:
- Comment: “Oh, having one of those moods again?”
- Response: “Interesting that you noticed. How would you handle it?”
You can practice quick-wittedness through targeted exercises to gain confidence and self-assurance.
Don’t forget self-care
Beyond workplace communication, it’s essential to take care of yourself:
- Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga can help you better cope with stress.
- Ergonomics: Create a comfortable workspace that supports your needs.
- Breaks: Take deliberate short breaks to recharge.
Talk about menopause — Every conversation matters!
Dealing with menopause at work is not easy. The topic is often avoided because women fear they won’t be taken seriously. You have a right to support! Don’t let anyone convince you to “just get on with it.” Taking action and seeking help can be life-changing!
Conclusion
Menopause is a challenge, but it can also be an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Open communication and a respectful work environment are the keys to a healthy and productive workplace. Be brave and articulate your needs for yourself, and collaborate better. Often, the path to better solutions begins with mutual understanding.
