By Dr Haleema Sheikh, a specialist in integrative women’s health and bioidentical hormone balancing for the Marion Gluck Clinic
As summer temperatures soar, so do the challenges faced by people going through menopause, particularly in the workplace. Hot flushes, fatigue, brain fog, and mood fluctuations can be difficult enough to manage on their own. Add stifling heat, poor ventilation, and lack of understanding from colleagues, and a difficult experience can quickly become unbearable.
Rising temperatures don’t just increase physical discomfort, they can amplify symptoms, reduce concentration, and even lead to higher rates of absenteeism. For businesses, failing to recognise and respond to this intersection of climate and health is not just a wellbeing issue—it’s a productivity and retention risk.
The good news? With a few thoughtful, hormone-aware adjustments, organisations can create workplaces that are more comfortable, inclusive, and resilient during the summer months and beyond.
Why Menopause Deserves a Place on the Workplace Agenda
Menopause is a natural phase of life that typically affects individuals between 45 and 55, although symptoms can begin earlier. Around 13 million people in the UK are currently peri- or post-menopausal, this demographic makes up a significant portion of the workforce.
Despite its prevalence, menopause has long been underacknowledged in workplace policies. Research by the Fawcett Society found that one in ten women have left a job due to menopause symptoms. These numbers are likely to rise if workplaces don’t adapt to climate change’s impact on thermal comfort and employee health.
The Heatwave Effect on Menopause Symptoms
Summer heat can worsen key menopausal symptoms, including:
- Hot flushes – Already one of the most commonly reported symptoms, flushes can become more frequent and severe in hot environments.
- Fatigue – Heat can disrupt sleep, making it harder for those already struggling with menopause-related insomnia to feel rested.
- Brain fog – Cognitive symptoms like forgetfulness and poor concentration are harder to manage when overheating or sleep-deprived.
- Mood changes – Rising temperatures and physical discomfort can intensify anxiety or irritability.
This isn’t just a matter of comfort, it’s a business issue. Discomfort and stress can reduce performance, increase sick leave, and damage morale. Being proactive is not only compassionate, it’s commercially sensible.
Practical, Hormone-Aware Strategies for Cooler Workplaces
Creating a menopause-ready workplace doesn’t require a full office overhaul. Here are several actionable steps businesses can take to support affected employees, particularly during a heatwave:
- Prioritise Thermal Comfort
- Allow for temperature control where possible. This might mean adjustable desk fans, access to cooler rooms, or permission to adjust windows and blinds.
- Review dress codes. Formal uniforms or restrictive clothing can make hot flushes more unbearable. Offer flexibility in what’s considered “professional” attire during the summer months.
- Monitor ventilation and ensure that air conditioning units are serviced and effective. Poor airflow exacerbates discomfort.
- Flexible Working Hours and Locations
- Consider offering earlier or later start times to avoid peak heat hours.
- Enable hybrid or remote working, giving individuals the chance to control their environment and take breaks as needed.
- Let employees take brief cooling breaks—short walks, hydration pauses, or simply stepping into a cooler space should be encouraged, not frowned upon.
- Training and Awareness
- Provide manager training on menopause, including how it interacts with environmental stressors like heat.
- Build psychological safety by making it clear that discussing menopause is not taboo. Employees should feel confident disclosing symptoms without fear of being judged or overlooked for opportunities.
- Update Policies
- Include menopause in occupational health and wellbeing strategies.
- Audit your equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) policies to ensure they explicitly acknowledge menopause and related needs.
- Implement anonymous feedback systems to identify temperature-related concerns and workplace barriers.
Leading by Example
Forward-thinking organisations are already taking menopause seriously. From offering menopause leave to providing tailored healthcare plans, businesses that invest in inclusive wellbeing see returns in engagement, retention, and reputation. As the climate warms, the need for these strategies becomes even more urgent.
By recognising the compounded impact of rising temperatures on menopause symptoms, businesses can position themselves as compassionate, future-ready employers. Creating a menopause-ready workplace isn’t a summer-only initiative, it’s an all-year-round necessity. But getting ahead of the heatwave is a smart starting point.
About the Marion Gluck Clinic
https://www.mariongluckclinic.com/
The Marion Gluck Clinic is the UK’s leading medical clinic that pioneered the use of bioidentical hormones to treat menopause, perimenopause and other hormone related issues. Founded by Dr. Marion Gluck herself, the clinic uses her method of bioidentical hormonal treatment to rebalance hormones to improve wellbeing, quality of life and to slow down ageing.
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