Midlife Matters: Employment lawyer Michael Kerrigan champions menopause in the workplace

Michael Kerrigan, employment law partner at Debenhams Ottaway, continues to provide a refreshing change as a male championing menopause in the workplace. His advice is now in print as one of the experts who contributed to Midlife Matters: Feel Empowered and Confident Every Step of the Way by Katie Taylor, founder of The Latte Lounge. 

This midlife manual full off expert advice on every possible topic, from marriage to menopause, helping readers feel informed and empowered every step of the way. It features comprehensive advice from over 45 experts in an easily digestible Q&A format, making this an invaluable resource for any woman navigating midlife. 

Michael features in a Q&A from page 235 in the book where he answers questions for both employers and employees. You can get a snapshot of the section here: 

What should women do if they are struggling with menopause in the workplace?

They should inform their employer in writing, highlight any aspect of their employment that is causing them difficulties, and propose adjustments that may help. Women should consider what support from their employer is reasonable: this will be viewed against a number of factors including the cost, the resources of the employer, and the disruption that the adjustment may have on the business. Women should enquire if their employer has any existing menopause policy, a useful first port of call to establish what assistance and support may be on offer. Employers may request input from third parties, including occupational health specialists, to advise on what adjustments may be appropriate for specific symptoms.

What are the benefits to employers in supporting women dealing with menopause?

Employers who do engage on this issue are likely to reap the rewards. It makes economic sense for employers to commit to supporting women through menopause. Firstly for selfish reasons, to avoid potentially costly legal claims, but also to ensure that they are able to harness a wealth of experience and knowledge from female members of staff who may previously have been forced to end their careers early due to menopause.

Michael and the rest of the employment law team at Debenhams Ottaway are passionate about understanding the issues surrounding the menopause in the workplace and making sure both employers and employees feel supported. Over the years, the team has worked with Katie and The Latte Lounge, an online community to help support, educate and empower women across all areas of their midlife health and wellbeing.

If you would like to understand more about what options and legal support is out there for employees and employers, please email Michael Kerrigan or call him on 01727 738244.

You can purchase a copy of ‘Midlife Matters: Feel Empowered and Confident Every Step of the Way’ here.