Design For Life

Advice column: Should I tell my company that I’m experiencing perimenopausal symptoms?

Co-director of National Menopause Summit, Sinéad McNamara advises a reader who is having difficulty concentrating and feels uncomfortable in meetings

No employer wants to potentially lose an experienced employee due to what is a natural life event which could easily be managed through inclusive, supportive and necessary policies

Dear Expert,

I'm 43 years old and have recently been promoted to the number two position in my (mid-sized) company. In the last three months I am experiencing perimenopausal symptoms that are affecting my concentration and comfort levels in meetings. I feel the need to share this information with certain colleagues, but is this wise? We have a decent HR structure, but I hate the idea of asking for any special dispensation, especially now that ...