Harrogate Chamber Meeting Recap : Menopause in the Workplace
Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC) hosted a lively and informative meeting on Menopause in the Workplace featuring speakers, Sarah Darbyshire and Holly Astbury which was very well received, prompting several insightful questions and responses.
Chamber President, Phill Holdsworth welcomed everyone to the meeting, noting that there would be the option to take part in a Christmas singalong video to recognise the Chamber’s sponsorship of an award at the annual Mumbler Awards.
The president thanked Harrogate College for hosting us so beautifully and welcomed Danny Wild, Principal of Harrogate College. Danny gave a short welcome speech and gave details of the College’s Employers Network, aimed at ensuring that the College is providing students with the skills that employers actually require. He asked that any employers that feel they could assist with this sign up to the network via the website and provide their views on future employment.
Nick Garrett, Chief Executive of Wellspring spoke movingly about his time at the College and the impact it had on his wellbeing and future career direction, crediting it with giving him the opportunity to re-start his education following a break and to attend University. He went on to describe Wellspring’s services, including provision of counselling for residents, noting that 80% of the adults who use the service are small business owners. Noting that across the Harrogate District, the age profile of residents is increasing, and this has implications for the workforce. People aged 43 and older tend not to ask for help so paying attention to the wellbeing of this age cohort in your workplace is important. This age tends to be when women begin to experience menopause symptoms, which can impact mental wellbeing.
Phill gave a personal recommendation for Wellspring.
Vicky Findlow introduced our speakers, Holly Astbury, Head of Corporate Partnerships from MIND in Harrogate and Sarah Darbyshire, HR Solutions Yorkshire Ltd, who spoke about Menopause at Work – Breaking the Stigma.
Menopause
Sarah Darbyshire talked about both physical and mental well-being issues experienced during Menopause, noting that it does affect men as well as women in terms of living with partners who are experiencing it. It is important to break the taboo and share our experiences. Sarah gave an overview of menopause including symptoms to watch out for, such as fatigue, brain fog (loss of concentration), hot flushes, anxietyanxiety, and insomnia. She also spoke about the three key pieces of legislation that we need to consider in terms of menopause and whether we are doing as much as we can to support people in the workplace. Sarah underlined the importance of asking questions sensitively to find out why someone’s behaviour, productivity or sick leave patterns have altered before moving toward a formal process relating to performance or capability, regardless of the managers suspicions as to the cause. It is important not to make assumptions that behaviour change is the menopause as it may not be.
Sarah also explained that currently, employees need 2 years of service to claim Unfair Dismissal, but the current Govt plans to make it a day-one right. This can be a risk to the business if not handled correctly. She covered two law cases which involved Menopause, which were taken to Tribunal.
Sarah underlined the importance of supporting staff within the typical age range for menopause since many will be at a high level in the workplace and have a great deal of skill, knowledge, and experience, all of which would be lost if they left the workforce or moved to a new role due to lack of support. Sarah recommended that businesses might consider a Menopause Policy and flexibility in the workplace, such as flexible working, moving desks nearer to windows, etc.
Holly Astbury then introduced the MIND charity and her role within that charity before speaking about the mental health aspects of Menopause. She pointed out that it is necessary to consider trans people who may be impacted by this matter. Holly discussed the physical symptoms because these can impact people’s mental well-being. Perimenopause has a particularly large impact on how people think, feel, and behave, as this is when the hormones begin to change. Holly went through a range of the symptoms in more detail, pointing out that these can knock confidence, including confidence in your skills in the workplace. For some people, depression, and even suicidal feelings, as well as mood fluctuations, can occur at this time. Menopause can also impact any mental health issues that are already being experienced but did note that these things do not happen in isolation and there could be many other factors which are causing difficulty or stress for people since from mid-forties, people may be dealing with dual care (both parents and children) as well as working. Support groups for Menopause exist and can be very helpful. Holly also recommended educating yourself about menopause as there is a lot of information available, asking how people are, and asking how you can assist people going through this.
Vicky Findlow then managed a Q&A session, during which several very good questions and comments came from thefloor and were clearly and effectively answered by the presenters.
The President thanked our speakers for their informative presentations before introducing new members who have joined in the last quarter. These are:
Mainline Taxi Association
Rooster’s Brewery
The Jordan Legacy CIC
CLK Marketing
A & E Baines Ltd
E. A. T. Electrical Solutions Ltd
Impala Estates Limited
Raft Recruitment Limited
Grace & Morris architects
Ian from CLK Marketing talked about the way in which potential customers search for people online. CLK Marketing is holding a free session on Google Pay Per Click to help businesses to stand out in searches.
Diane from Rotary Harrogate Brigantes spoke about the organisation and is looking for new members so that the group can do more to support charities. There are new ways to join Rotary, and it can fit well with CSR within the workplace. There is a corporate membership available at harrogate@rotary-brigantes.co.uk. Alternatively; please contact Diane.
Member News
The President encouraged all members to share news with the group as the Chamber is keen to promote members.
Ian Howard spoke about his new ThriveHive Peer to peer Support group which allows members to cope with challenges in business. He is seeking members for the group and noted that meetings appear on Eventbrite.
Frances Elliott, HADCA, provided information about Flu Jabs which are available to employers for their employees.
Kate Rogata, Supporting Older People (SOP) spoke about her Christmas present appeal for Supporting Older People with sweet treats, chocolate, biscuits etc being particularly requested. SOP are also on the lookout for anyone who could volunteer to deliver the gifts also as well as someone who could drive people to Oakdale Golf Course for their Christmas Party on 17 December. An occasional minibus driver is also required. SOP also run a monthly Tea and Talk at the Crown Hotel and asked for support for these events.
Paul from Ake and Humphris spoke about his Christmas wine fair, which is taking place on Saturday, 23 November, and there are three sessions. There will be over 60 wines in the room and tickets are £25.
The President closed the meeting noting that the next meeting will be on 11 November at The Crown Hotel, when we will hear from Paul Mount the Bank of England's deputy agent for the region. This meeting will follow close on the heels of 1st budget of the new Government and falls shortly after the quarterly Interest Rates committee meeting. This should make for a very interesting and informative meeting.
