Aspire’s Champions: Why Menopause Matters
This World Menopause Day, our Menopause Champion, Robyn Flemming, discusses common misconceptions, some of the symptoms of menopause and what actions to take, and why it matters in the workplace.
Menopause: a topic that is often misunderstood and under-discussed—especially in the workplace. At Aspire, we are committed to supporting all our employees through every stage of life, which is why we’re proud to have our dedicated Menopause Champion, Robyn Flemming, leading the way in raising awareness within our company and providing support for those experiencing menopause personally or who know and love someone who is.
“By being the Menopause champion, I can support learners and staff in recognising signs and symptoms as well as just provide reassurance for someone. To listen and be there.”
Robyn’s Story
Having personal experience of navigating menopause, Robyn took on the role of Menopause Champion to lead the conversation and drive change within Aspire. She told us, “I am passionate about my menopause journey; it’s a way of life and having a support network is so important.”
She wants to break the silence and the stigma around the subject, ensuring that all employees and learners have access to the information, support, and resources they need.
“In the academic year of 23-24, 89% of our learners identified as female, and within that group would have been people who had started their menopause journey and may have been unaware who to go to for guidance,” Robyn shares. “By being the Menopause champion, I can support learners and staff in recognising signs and symptoms as well as just provide reassurance for someone. To listen and be there.”
Menopause: It matters in the workplace
For many women, menopause brings a range of symptoms that can affect their wellbeing and work performance. Hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog, and fatigue are just a few of the symptoms that women may experience, and these can lead to stress and feelings of isolation.
Robyn tells us, “I have worked with HR to have menopause support integrated into some workplace policies and I’ve led an awareness session for my colleagues about menopause in the workplace.” She’s also going to set up Menopause drop-in sessions soon. She says, “This is where safe conversations can be had in relation to questions about potential signs and symptoms. Or it can be as simple as a quick ‘hello’, as working and learning remotely can be difficult when you’re experiencing the menopause.”
“It’s ok to ask for help...you are not alone.”
Menopause Misconceptions
Robyn told us of two key misconceptions that she sees around menopause. One is that menopause only affects women. She says, “The menopause affects EVERYONE. It affects relationships, family and home dynamics, mental and physical health…everything.”
Mothers, sisters, partners, friends, colleagues. You will know someone who is experiencing, or will experience, the menopause, and Robyn thinks awareness is key: “After I delivered a session to my colleagues, one took that information home and supported their dad in recognising the journey their mum is going through!”
The other misconception Robyn has regularly come up against is that menopause affects everybody in the same way. To that she says, “Everyone experiences the menopause differently. It’s like saying, ‘How long is a piece of string’.”
Advice and Guidance
Below is Robyn’s main advice regarding some common symptoms of the menopause:
Sleeping patterns
Insomnia is a significant symptom. You could try CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), a digital detox about an hour before bed, and keeping your room cool to help eliminate any hot episodes.
Anxiety, emotions, confidence
It can be challenging to navigate changes in your mental wellbeing. Robyn personally suffers from ‘Imposter Syndrome’, where she thinks she is doing a terrible job (when we know she’s not!). For this, Robyn recommends talking to someone. She says, “The more open you are about how you are feeling, the better. You are not annoying anyone. Never apologise for how you are feeling.”
Weight
Menopause can make you gain weight. Robyn says, “The ‘Menopause midriff’ is real and it can really affect your confidence” and she recommends trying light exercise, such as walking or swimming.
Brain fog
“Sometimes, I completely forget what I want to say or what I went into a room for…and that’s ok!” She recommends keeping lists to help you remember and navigate this challenging symptom.
Above all else, Robyn encourages you to talk: “It’s ok to ask for help,” she says. “You are not alone.”
This World Menopause Day, take a moment to consider the impact of this complex experience on the women in your life. We’re grateful to Robyn for her continued efforts to promote menopause awareness in the workplace and are proud of the impact she’s having for learners and staff alike.
To garner more insights into the invaluable work of our Champions, be sure to check out our Sustainability, Reading for Pleasure, and Inclusion blogs too.
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