We don't design workplaces that are supportive of women who are going through the menopause. More and more I see workplaces that are shifting to an open working environment, which forces women who may be experiencing memory loss, brain fog, low self - esteem, heightened anxiety and hot flushes, to do so out in the open. Without layered workplaces, there is no quiet spaces for women to retreat to, where they can have autonomy over their environment. Given that almost 50% of the global workforce are women, organisations need to shift to a proactive and supportive approach to menopause. This begins with a menopause policy that is more than just a piece of paper. Menopause friendly leave, toilets that are fully contained and not cubicle dividers, uniforms that work with the physiological changes a woman's body goes through, and layered workspaces are just some of the practical, supportive ways organisations can help support and retain women experiencing menopause.

Loving this thread! :up:

I'm not sure what you mean - surely everyone is engaged in H&S? And if not, then they need to be. And they need to be engaged in an active way, to capture wealth of knowledge and increase effectiveness of strategies and actions taken.

Hi Sheri! I would love copies of the resources you mention, please. I'm always looking for tools / resources to add to my arsenal! :smile:

We also use the Te Whare Tapa Whā model. As part of this, it is important that mental health and wellbeing is a regular part of conversations within the workplace. This way it isn't a bolt on, but becomes a key part of the culture.

A few things to consider:

1.) They have likely been to countless types of H&S training and are possibly subjected to the same type of'talk at me and tell me things I already (or think I already) know' experiences. What do they have that they can bring to the table, that can then be built on? How can they be engaged in a way that is meaningful to them?

2.) Plenty of training involves material that they may not be able to access. I have come across plenty of people of all ages, but particularly older people, who struggle with literacy. Over 40% of NZ males aged 55-65 do not have a literacy level that allows them to cope with the demands of everyday life and working in a complex society. If you combine this, with the fact that around 35% of construction workers do not have formal secondary school education, you can see how certain types of training and methods of delivery immediately disengage workers that may fall into these brackets.

3.) Is the H&S training being delivered in a classroom setting? Again, linked with point # 2, this can be off-putting and intimidating.