Let’s talk about menopause: A conversation guide for managers
By Danielle Jackson, PhD , Emily Shaffer, PhD & Ellie Smith, PhD
8 min read
| Published on
Executive summary
Half the population will go through menopause in their lifetime, and many of them will be employed when it happens.1 But menopause can still feel like a difficult topic to bring up at work — and as a manager you may feel a heightened responsibility to get it right. You may worry about saying the wrong thing, making someone uncomfortable, or breaking a taboo, as there can be a stigma around talking about menopause in the workplace.2
But when conversations about menopause start happening more naturally at work, it helps create an environment where people feel supported. And as a team leader, you play a vital role in establishing inclusive norms around talking about and addressing menopause in the workplace, even if you haven’t been directly affected by menopause yourself.
This conversation guide provides practical ways for people leaders like you to start discussions with your team, offer meaningful support to colleagues, connect them with resources, and advocate for inclusive policies. You don’t need to be a menopause expert — what matters is fostering a culture where employees feel seen, heard, and supported.
How to cite: Jackson, D., Shaffer, E., & Smith, E. (2025). Let's talk about menopause: A conversation guide for managers. Catalyst.