This year’s World Menopause Day on October 18th has a very practical theme: how adopting ‘Lifestyle Medicine’ can help during this transitional life stage. So, what does this involve, and how can employers make a difference?
‘Lifestyle Medicine’ is about prevention. It’s an umbrella term for choices in nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management and social connection that can ease menopause symptoms and support wellbeing.
We think there’s plenty that an organisation can influence and support here. And, with around 4.5 million women aged 50–64 in employment and a trend for women to stay in work for longer, there’s every reason why they should.
Could your organisation be doing more?
This was the title of last year’s Cordell Health blog for World Menopause Day 2024. We covered ideas for how organisations can support women – as well as trans and non-binary people experiencing this phase of life.
All of the content, facts and figures are still valid, so why not read the article ‘Could your organisation be doing more?’ as well as this year’s blog.
Menopause and the workplace
Symptoms affect women roughly between ages 40–60, but the impact extends to employers. According to CIPD research, nearly 60% of women experiencing symptoms say it has a negative effect at work. Reduced concentration, fatigue, anxiety and hot flushes are common, with potential consequences for performance and working relationships with colleagues.
How can employers support ‘Lifestyle Medicine’?
Normalising the conversation: Before we go into specifics, the more acceptance of menopause as a natural phase of life, and the need for understanding towards those experiencing symptoms at work, the better. This will also reduce stigma and will help to make it clearer why organisations are stepping up to do more.
Exercise and diet: Not every meeting needs to be behind a desk. Walking meetings can boost movement and energy, while workshops on nutrition can encourage healthier eating habits and provide practical ideas for sustaining energy through the day.
Promoting better sleep: Better sleep benefits all employees, but is especially important for hormone regulation, mental health and energy. It can also reduce the impact of night sweats, anxiety and mood swings. For more on improving workplace sleep health, see our Cordell Health article Why employers need to promote better sleep – and how to do it.
Reducing workplace stress: Stress worsens menopause symptoms, from hot flushes to fatigue and anxiety. Leaders and line managers can help by diffusing stress, tackling triggers early and designing jobs in ways that reduce unnecessary pressure.
Improving social connection: Connection supports wellbeing and helps employees share coping strategies. Building a supportive culture makes it easier for individuals to talk about what they’re experiencing. The NHS also recommends that managers maintain regular contact with colleagues off work due to menopause symptoms, helping them feel connected and valued during absence.
Supporting mental health: Alongside the benefits of the above, employers can offer counselling via employee assistance programmes or appoint menopause or wellbeing champions as confidential points of contact.
Employees working with cancer: Cancer treatment can trigger early menopause. Macmillan Cancer Support highlights the importance of knowing what to expect and what support is available. The charity is also backing ‘Lifestyle Medicine’ through its Menopause Awareness Month. You can help employees with cancer by referring them to this Macmillan awareness page.
In conclusion
World Menopause Day 2025 is a timely reminder that supporting employees through menopause isn’t just about wellbeing – it’s a business priority. By embracing Lifestyle Medicine and normalising the conversation, organisations can reduce stigma, boost health, and retain valuable talent. Small, practical steps taken now by HR, leaders and line managers can make a lasting difference, creating workplaces where people feel able to thrive during this important life stage.
For further information
Cordell Health have produced guides on different aspects of menopause in the workplace for line managers, HR and employees. These are available to subscribers to our wellbeing service. To find out more, please contact us at wellbeing@cordellhealth.co.uk.
CIPD also offer helpful guidance for people managers. Menopause is covered on podcasts including The Mid-Point with Gabby Logan and Is It Hot In Here? with Dr Naomi Porter, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and BBC iPlayer.
More about World Menopause Day
World Menopause Day is on Saturday, October 18, 2025. It is organised by the International Menopause Society (IMS) with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to raise awareness and offer support during the menopause transition.
