Menopause has traditionally been overlooked in workplace conversations, often pushed aside as something too personal or uncomfortable to discuss and therefore something many employees have had to navigate quietly and alone. While awareness and conversations around menopause have improved in recent years, there’s still a long way to go. Many workplaces continue to lack a clear understanding of what menopause really involves, especially when it comes to the practical support available for staff going through this completely natural life transition. This toolkit aims to bridge that gap at LSE and foster an inclusive environment, where staff feel able to discuss any challenges they face and obtain appropriate support.
Menopause usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age. Women over 50 represent a significant and growing percentage of the workforce. At LSE, almost 1 in 10 staff are women between the ages of 45-55 years (as at August 2025). Menopause can also be experienced by other groups who have a menstrual cycle, including transgender, intersex and non-binary individuals.
Menopause can cause a wide range of physical and mental health symptoms, which vary between individuals and can last for several years . Some people may experience minor symptoms and others may find symptoms extremely challenging or debilitating.
A 2023 survey conducted by the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD)[1] amongst women between the ages of 40-60 found that:
- Over half (57%) of the women were currently experiencing menopause symptoms, and a further 16% had experienced symptoms but these had stopped.
- Two-thirds (67%) of women (aged 40–60 in employment) with experience of menopause symptoms say they have had a mostly negative effect on them at work.
- Individuals who felt unsupported by their employer, manager and colleagues were significantly more likely to report as having felt an increased amount of pressure and stress.
The above demonstrates that the menopause is an important workplace issue and that it is highly likely that symptoms will be affecting a significant proportion of the workforce at any one time.
This toolkit is one of the resources available at LSE to increase understanding and awareness of the menopause, and to obtain information and guidance on supporting those affected by menopause symptoms at work.
This toolkit supports LSE’s Menopause Policy and includes guidance and information for staff and managers as follows:
- Understanding the menopause – what it is and how it can affect people at work.
- Who to speak to about managing menopause symptoms at work
- 10 key things an LSE manager should know about menopause and work
- Having conversations with staff about the menopause
- Examples of work adjustments
- Case studies
- Linkds to external networks and resources
[1] CIPD. (2023) Menopause in the workplace: Employee experiences in 2023. London:
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.