AtkinsRéalis: Championing inclusivity and support for Menopausal employees

We caught up with Emma, a Senior Consultant with the Transformation, Change & Engagement Team in Aerospace, Defence, Security & Technology.

Emma helps our clients and teams adopt changes in the workplace. Since joining AtkinsRéalis in June 2023, she shares her experiences of how her age has posed no barrier to her employment and how her skills and experience have been valued.

Emma's experience with menopause

Since sharing that she is a menopausal woman with the business, Emma shares how she has felt liberated.

"Initially, I kept this major life transition private. However, the supportive environment at AtkinsRéalis soon made me comfortable enough to talk about it with my colleagues. It's part of my lived experience that shapes my identity."

October is 'World Menopause Month,' recognized by the WHO and International Menopause Society, illuminating a global issue. Yet, there's a disconnect in the modern workplace, with 72% of women feeling unsupported during menopause, spotlighting a need for enhanced awareness and support!

Menopause matters: Sharing your menopause journey

"I'm sharing my experience to help break the taboo around menopause and open up frank conversations. All women should feel able to bring their whole selves to work and be accepted and supported during menopause."

Finding support in the workplace: Menopause Network

"Knowing some of my colleagues were members of this employee-started Menopause Network gave me confidence. It felt like a safe place to share with colleagues of similar ages. I could open up about my symptoms and feelings, empathizing with others with very different experiences. My openness extended to my line manager, who was accepting and supportive."

"1 in 4 women consider resigning from their roles during the menopause, with up to 10% resigning." - Nuffield Health Research

The unspoken reality of Menopause symptoms

"Looking back, I'm amazed that I was so underprepared for menopause and had no idea about the extent of its impact on my daily life. The effects were not just physical but mental and emotional, which impacted my well-being. Older women in my family did not discuss their symptoms openly, so I had no idea it was more than the end of my periods."

This is where our network comes in. You'll be surrounded by people who are going through the same experience. We want you to feel supported and have a sense of community at AtkinsRéalis and this is reflected in our value of collaboration.

Are You Falling for Menopause Myths?

I was also one of many women who held onto what I now know to be outdated beliefs perpetuated by media and lack of training for GPs—that Hormone Replacement Therapy is 'dangerous' and the side effects are worse than the symptoms of menopause. I thought I had to get on with it—it is a natural phase of life, after all, and with time, I would be out the other side and fine.

How long does menopause usually last?

"It usually lasts about seven years but can be as long as 14 years. The duration can depend on lifestyle factors such as smoking, age it begins, and race and ethnicity." - National Institute on Aging

World Menopause Day 2024

World Menopause Day is held each year on 18 October. With a large proportion of the workforce experiencing menopause, it is crucial to raise awareness about menopause at work. This is a great time to open the dialogue or reignite the conversation.

According to CIPD research, three in five (59%) working women between the ages of 45 and 55 with menopause symptoms have said that it has a negative impact on them at work.

With that being said, Emma shares what she has learned through her experience:

"Through my reading, I discovered that menopause, or the reduction of estrogen, impacts every cell in our bodies. It's when cholesterol and blood pressure levels rise, increasing your risk of heart attacks and strokes. When I was experiencing debilitating symptoms, I was much less likely to exercise, which impacted my overall health and well-being."

Leaning on resources and support

"Armed with the facts, I sought the medical help I needed. HRT has transformed my daily life. My symptoms subsided dramatically within three weeks of taking it. The biggest improvement was reducing the hot flushes and related sleep disturbance, which had impacted my brain function, mood, and motivation to exercise."

Staying active

Now, I walk every day with my dogs, rain or shine, which is good for my physical health, but being outdoors in nature is great for my mood and mental wellbeing, too.

I also joined a gym with lots of Yoga, Pilates, and classes, which has been great for my physical and mental wellbeing. I feel more like my old self again.

We all need to stay active, especially if you work from home. It's so easy to sit still and not take breaks. Just 10 minutes of brisk walking can improve focus and get our blood pumping!

Flexible working culture

At AtkinsRéalis, hybrid working is very positive for me. I wouldn't have joined an organisation if I had to travel to an office every day. A balance is key.

Working from home allows me to cope better when symptoms are debilitating. For example, it would harm my wellbeing if I hadn't slept or hot flushes wouldn't stop. It's easier to be kind to yourself at home—choose whether to be on camera, have your feet in ice water, or have a fan running.

"30% of women have taken sick leave because of menopause symptoms, underscoring the urgent need for workplace adaptations and support to manage these natural health challenges." - House of Commons Committee report

Join a workplace where you can thrive: The AtkinsRéalis Difference

"I have found AtkinsRéalis to be a wonderfully inclusive place to work, with people who are friendly and genuinely interested in supporting each other. The Menopause Network is a supportive place to share and continue this open, honest conversation to keep each other going."

At AtkinsRéalis, inclusivity isn't just a policy; it's a commitment to creating a workplace where every employee feels valued and supported.

We understand that menopause is a significant life transition that can impact physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

That's why we are dedicated to fostering an environment that supports our colleagues going through menopause, ensuring they can thrive both personally and professionally.

Learn more about diversity and inclusion at AtkinsRéalis or sign up for our job alerts.