A blog by Heather Callighan, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Conor Curran, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, and Professor Karen McCloskey, Director, Queen’s Gender Initiative, Queen's University Belfast. 

 

As we approach World Menopause Day, which is held every year on the 18th of October, we wanted to share some reflections on two new policies introduced at Queen's in August 2022 to offer support to staff experiencing the menopause and those undergoing fertility treatment.

Fertility Treatment Leave Policy

Our Fertility Treatment Leave Policy outlines the University’s commitment to supporting staff who are undergoing fertility treatment, or those supporting a partner who is undertaking fertility treatment. 

The policy and guidance acknowledge the demands on individuals and their partners, including the physical and emotional impact of undergoing fertility treatment, offering up to five days leave for fertility related treatment for the person undergoing treatment, and two days of paid leave for those supporting a partner.

We recognise the effect of the process on individuals, and the need for some space to attend appointments, receive treatment and facilitate recovery. The policy aims to provide practical support at work and facilitate confidential conversations with line managers. 

 

Menopause Policy

In May 2023, the University employed approximately 4500 staff of which 2468 are women.  Of our female workforce, approximately 53% (1089) are of the age typically affected by menopause (over 45 years old).  

The Menopause Policy and guidance are designed to provide information  for staff and line managers that will both increase awareness of the menopause and also enable line managers to provide appropriate support. 

 

Menopause Support Fund

We have also established a Menopause Support Fund to contribute towards the purchase costs associated with reasonable adjustments to support women at work – staff  can apply to the fund to support the purchase fans, providing additional spare uniforms, or uniforms and PPE in different sizes. You can find more details of how to access the fund on the Staff Menopause Support Fund page.

 

Raising awareness

The policy itself is supplemented by a range of awareness-raising measures to support those experiencing menopausal symptoms.  We are building on our popular Menopause Awareness sessions for all staff that are delivered by two of the University's academic GPs with special interest in women's health, Dr Helen Reid and Dr Jenny Johnston –from the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences.

The sessions are designed to help to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and prompt conversations, as well as to inform staff of what to expect, and when and how to seek help around issues relating to menopause.

The sessions have been very well received and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with attendees rating the sessions as Excellent (62%) or Very Good (38%).

Staff have said:

“Being able to talk to actual GPs was brilliant and knowing other staff were experiencing the same things as me was a huge relief and support.”

“Understanding more about the menopause symptoms … and knowing that I am not alone in this journey.“

It was great “how open and relaxed everyone was in talking about this subject and how sharing their own experience, was encouraged.

“Expert knowledge delivered in a friendly and informative way.”

“Great to talk to professionals who are passionate about supporting women going through the menopause.”

In 2023, Queen’s has continued to promote a culture of support for women and other persons experiencing menopause symptoms, including speaking at events including: ‘UCD EDI Menopause Conference: Time for Change in the Third Level Sector’, ‘Diversity Mark and TLT Menopause and Reproductive Health’ and ‘Business In The Community Healthy Working Lives’ conference. 

The annual QGI Clare Macmahon Lecture, delivered in May 2023 by journalist, author and menopause expert Kate Muir, was on the subject of ‘Everything you wanted to ask about the Menopause but were too afraid to ask’. With more than 100 attendees, this event also showcased the inspiring work of Queen’s MEng students who founded spinout company ‘Feminatech’ which is developing a symptom-tracker App for peri-menopause and menopause symptoms.

 

School-based research initiatives

A number of research projects in the area of menopause and women’s health have also commenced in Queen’s schools in 2023.

We are encouraged that these topics, which for too long have been taboo and associated with stigma, are now becoming mainstreamed in conversations about workplace, wellbeing and culture. 

The policies, and raising awareness of them are an important first step.

 

Share your feedback

We welcome your views and feedback, whether in conversation or writing – please reach out to us at Queen’s Gender Initiative or the Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing unit.

 

Further information and upcoming events

• For more information on the Menopause Policy, Guidance and support available, visit the Menopause webpage.
• To view the Fertility treatment Leave Policy and how you can request support and leave, visit the Fertility Treatment Leave webpage.
• More information on upcoming sessions on Menopause awareness, and other Staff wellbeing initiatives, support sessions and events on offer for staff is available on the Staff Wellbeing News and Events page.