Member Article

‘Quiet quitting’ is a trend that has emerged in recent years where people stop going above and beyond in their daily work. They do not actually quit their job, but simply perform the bare minimum in favour of a better work-life balance.

There are several reasons which might motivate an individual to start this process and experiencing menopausal symptoms is, understandably, fast becoming one of them. When women reach a certain age, career aspirations may need to take a back seat in order to prioritise health. Menopause symptoms can be quite debilitating, with hormonal changes resulting in hot flushes, headaches, insomnia and mood changes, amongst (many) others. Women may therefore start seeking greater flexibility at work and cap their hours at no more than they are contracted to work in order to help deal with these symptoms.

Unfortunately, this shift in priorities is not always well received by senior staff and other colleagues. Those who do not understand the impact that the menopause can have on day-to-day life have been seen to lose respect for these individuals, perhaps viewing their shift in focus as complacency or even laziness. As a result, women may no longer feel valued at work and begin to feel quite isolated, exacerbating what is an already difficult time.

It is interesting to note that should an individual go through treatment for any other major health condition which requires either time off, a reduced working pattern or other reasonable adjustments, colleagues would most likely be much more supportive of this. They may even actively encourage a more distinct work-life balance to help promote health and wellbeing. The fact that adjustments for menopause-related symptoms are still being met with resistance by some is far from ideal and something that needs to change.

Employers can help reduce the stigma by offering training to staff. A better understanding of the impact of symptoms can promote a supportive workplace culture. Additional support, be it discrete and on a 1-2-1 basis or in the form of wider workforce stress-reducing yoga and fitness sessions, can also help women feel more supported at work. Seeking feedback from those experiencing symptoms can also help employers implement further changes at work which they may not have otherwise considered.

 

 

https://www.hrzone.com/engage/employees/when-the-menopause-and-quiet-quitting-collide

 

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