World Menopause Day is an opportunity for us to raise awareness, start conversations, and make sure everyone feels supported at work.

Menopause affects millions of people, yet many still find it difficult to talk about. Research shows that most people are unwilling to discuss menopause-related health issues with their manager or ask for support at work. At the same time, more people than ever are working through their menopause.

At NCAS, we want to create a workplace where people feel able to have open conversations, access support, and thrive at every stage of their career. We worked with Henpicked, an organisation that provides expert guidance and training on menopause in the workplace, to build our understanding and share ways we call all be supportive to people affected by menopause.

Menopause can affect people in different ways and at different ages. Symptoms can include fatigue, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, low mood, hot flushes, problems with concentration and memory, and aches and pains. These symptoms can have a significant impact on daily life, including at work.

Supporting colleagues through menopause is not simply about wellbeing. It is also about equality, inclusion, and retaining talented people in our atmospheric science community. When people feel comfortable talking about their experiences and asking for support, they are more likely to remain engaged, confident, and able to contribute fully.

Creating a menopause-friendly workplace benefits everyone at NCAS. It helps build a culture of understanding, reduces stigma, and reinforces our commitment to being an inclusive and supportive organisation.

If you are experiencing menopause symptoms, remember that everyone’s experience is different and there is no single right way to manage it.

Some approaches that may help include:

If you decide to speak with your manager, it can help to keep a record of your symptoms, think about the support you need, and arrange a dedicated time to talk. Follow-up conversations are also important, as symptoms and support needs can change over time.

You do not need to be an expert to support someone experiencing menopause. Simple actions that can make a real difference are:

If you would like advice or support, please contact the People Team at people@ncas.ac.uk.

NCAS colleagues can also access menopause guidance and resources developed by Henpicked, which offer practical advice on managing symptoms and having supportive conversations at work. Our partner universities also provide flexible working arrangements and a range of health and wellbeing support. We encourage you to consider what adjustments or support might help you manage menopause symptoms alongside any other challenges you may be facing.