Menopause at Work: How to Handle a Heatwave

Working through a British heatwave is no easy feat and can prove even harder for people experiencing the menopause.

When harsh weather mixes with health concerns, a productive and positive work environment can sometimes feel out of reach.

There are more than 30 documented symptoms of menopause, including memory issues, difficulty sleeping, brain fog and hot flushes – a symptom experienced by around 75% of  menopausal women, according to research.

Hot flushes make your face, neck and chest feel very hot or cold and they can also cause palpitations, anxiety, dizziness and excess sweating.

A heatwave can exacerbate the ill effects of a hot flush as the menopause causes the body to become much more sensitive to temperature shifts.

How to stay cool in a heatwave

Stay hydrated 

One of the best ways to stay safe in the heat is to drink plenty of fluids. Evidence shows that staying well-hydrated targets and alleviates some of the symptoms of both peri-menopause and menopause.

Women experiencing hot flushes are at higher risk of dehydration, due to increased sweating, which makes this advice all the more important.

Focus on sleep

It’s much easier to work in the heat if you’ve had a good night’s sleep. This can become tricky during a heatwave given that British houses are made to retain heat. To deal with this you could open your windows and doors to create a flow of fresh air. It’s also beneficial to have a fan facing you with a bowl of ice placed in front of it. This ensures you’re not being blasted with stale, warm air.

Find a tool that will keep you cool

As heatwaves become more and more common in the UK, people have come up with nifty ways of keeping cool.

One tip is to freeze a hot water bottle. This works well as you could use it throughout the day without worrying about the melting ice spilling out. Experts say it’s best to not let it freeze solid though as this could cause damage to the rubber.

You could also fill an old sock with rice and place this into the freezer. Draping it around your neck will provide instant relief during a hot flush and help to lower your overall body temperature.

Swap slacks for something stretchy

This one’s a bit of a no brainer, but wearing lightweight clothes will very much improve your body’s ability to deal with heat. If you’re travelling into work during a heat wave ditch the usual office wear and opt for soft, thin and stretchy fabrics like cotton and linen. Some comfortable clothing options for the summer include cotton culottes with an elasticated waist or a linen shift dress.

Why menopause is a trade union issue

Menopause is a trade union issue as its symptoms can significantly impact a person’s working life. According to the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, almost 8 out of 10 menopausal people are in work. Unfortunately, many of them leave the workforce due to a lack of support.

In workplaces across the country Community reps and members are working with employers to introduce menopause policies and change organisational culture to support workers going through the menopause.

These policy changes include flexible working, changes to uniform policies and organising awareness training to staff and management. The NSPCC is a leading example of implementing policy changes to support women going through the menopause. Community worked together with the employer to produce a tailored menopause policy that delivered real change for menopausal workers.

Community Union’s Head of Equalities, Jennifer Dean, said:

“Heatwaves can make an already challenging set of menopause symptoms much harder to manage at work, and that’s why it’s so important employers take practical, compassionate steps to support staff. Small changes can make a big difference – from flexible working, to allowing cooler uniforms and better ventilation.

“On a personal note, one simple top tip I always share is to leave your hair wet and wear it in a loose bun with a scrunchie, it can offer real relief during the day and help take the edge off the heat.

“Ultimately, creating menopause friendly workplaces isn’t just good practice, it’s essential for retaining experienced workers and ensuring everyone can thrive.”

We would love to hear your top tips to stay cool during menopause. Write in to us at equalities@community-tu.org and let use know what works for you.