Supporting Menopause at Work and the Role of Visual Management

Workplace conversations around menopause are becoming more open, with many organisations recognising the importance of providing consistent, practical support for employees.

Rather than treating menopause as a standalone initiative, employers are increasingly embedding support within broader wellbeing, people management and workplace policies. The focus is often on creating an environment where employees feel understood, supported and able to access information when they need it.

Building Awareness and Understanding

Many organisations begin by improving awareness. This can include guidance for managers, access to information, and integration of menopause topics into existing wellbeing initiatives.

The aim is to help teams understand:

• how menopause may affect individuals differently

• how managers can respond appropriately

• where support and resources can be accessed

This helps reduce stigma and creates a more supportive workplace culture.

Creating Consistency Across Teams

One of the challenges organisations face is ensuring support is consistent across departments, locations and management styles. Without structure, approaches can vary depending on individual awareness or confidence.

Employers are therefore focusing on:

• clear internal guidance

• defined support pathways

• consistent communication

• regular review of wellbeing initiatives

This helps ensure that support is applied fairly and remains visible over time.

Supporting Communication and Follow-Up

Menopause support often relies on sensitive, well-timed conversations. Organisations are exploring ways to make it easier for managers and teams to access guidance and maintain continuity without singling individuals out.

This may involve:

• making policies and resources easy to find

• embedding wellbeing check-ins into existing routines

• ensuring actions and commitments are followed up

The emphasis is on creating supportive systems rather than relying solely on individual awareness.

Where Visual Management Can Play a Supportive Role

Visual management is sometimes used as part of broader workplace wellbeing approaches to support clarity and communication.

Examples may include:

• making wellbeing resources visible and accessible

• supporting awareness initiatives

• reinforcing communication and guidance for managers

• helping track organisational actions and follow-up

Importantly, these tools are used to support communication and structure at an organisational level — not to monitor individuals or personal health.

A Gradual, Evolving Approach

Workplace menopause support continues to develop as organisations learn what works best for their people. Many are taking a gradual approach, embedding support within wider wellbeing strategies and everyday management practices.

By focusing on understanding, communication and consistency, organisations are building environments where employees feel more comfortable accessing support when needed.

In this context, structured systems that support clarity, awareness and follow-up can play a helpful role alongside wider organisational initiatives.