Menopause at Work: What Men Need to Know (But Are Afraid to Ask)

By: Mark D Sproston

Because pretending it’s not happening isn’t helping anyone.

Let’s face it, lads — menopause in the workplace is one of those subjects most men would rather wrestle an alligator than talk about. It’s not that we don’t care — we just don’t know what to say. But here’s the thing: if you work with women (and I’m guessing you do), menopause is already happening all around you. And how we handle it matters.

You might have noticed a colleague who’s gone a bit quieter, seems more tired than usual, or can’t remember what she came into the room for. You might’ve seen a woman grab a fan and aim it at her face mid-meeting, or step outside for some air in January. That’s not drama — that’s biology. And it’s bloody hard work trying to keep up a professional front while your body’s staging a hormonal coup.

Now here’s where we come in. As men, we’ve got two choices: we can either pretend it’s not happening and risk being insensitive without meaning to… or we can wise up, show a bit of empathy, and make the workplace a better place for everyone.

What Men Need to Understand

Menopause isn’t just about hot flushes (though they’re brutal). It can bring anxiety, brain fog, fatigue, poor sleep, mood changes, and even a loss of confidence. Imagine trying to do your job with jet lag, a head full of cotton wool, and someone messing with the thermostat every ten minutes — that’s what many women deal with daily.

So when a female colleague forgets something, isn’t as chatty, or asks to sit by the window, she’s not being difficult — she’s just trying to stay upright and sane.

How Men Can Actually Help

You don’t need to offer advice. You don’t need to “fix” anything. You just need to be decent.

• Listen without judgement. A simple “Rough day?” can open a real conversation.

• Be flexible. If she needs a fan, a cooler room, or a minute to breathe, don’t roll your eyes — it’s not a luxury, it’s survival.

• Don’t make jokes. Menopause humour is only funny if everyone’s laughing — and most of the time, they’re not.

• Learn a little. It’s not about hormones — it’s about humanity. The more you understand, the easier it is to be supportive.

Why It Matters

Here’s the thing: workplaces that support menopausal women don’t just help them — they help everyone. Team spirit improves. Absences go down. Retention goes up. And when men start talking about menopause with respect instead of awkward silence, it sends a powerful message: this is a workplace that values its people.

Menopause awareness isn’t about walking on eggshells — it’s about being human. It’s about realising that every woman you work with is doing her best while her body’s rewriting the rulebook.

So next time you notice someone struggling, don’t shrug it off. Ask. Listen. Learn. Because one day, you might be the one hoping someone cuts you a bit of slack when life throws you a curveball.

👉 Call to action:
If you’re a bloke in the workplace — manager, colleague, HR, or just trying to get it right — start talking about menopause. Bring it up in meetings. Ask your HR team what policies exist. Be part of the culture shift that makes work better for everyone.