Episode 25 of CIPR’s Engage Podcast out now; Supporting Menopause at Work
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations’ (CIPR) Engage podcast returns with a new episode on supporting colleagues through menopause, released ahead of World Menopause Day on 18 October.
Episode 25 – Supporting Menopause at Work – is hosted by Stuart Culley Chart.PR, an in-house communications practitioner in the construction sector and CIPR EDI Champion. In this episode, Stuarts sets out to learn what perimenopause and menopause mean for the people going through them and for the colleagues, line managers, and partners who support them.
Stuart is joined by guests:
- Helen Crumley Chart.PR, a communications leader with 25 years’ experience across the public, health and not-for-profit sectors
- Ruth Rosselson, Resilience Co-ordinator at Manchester Mind
- Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe Chart.PR, a strategic corporate communications leader in the public sector and EDI Champion for the CIPR North West Group
Drawing on their own experiences, the guests explain how symptoms can begin years before periods stop and can last for many years. They describe symptoms that go well beyond hot flushes, including poor sleep, anxiety, heart palpitations, and forgetfulness. They also discuss how they found support through their GP, HRT, mindfulness, and peer groups. The panel looks at why some women reduce their hours or leave work and at what organisations lose when they do.
The panel concludes by examining what good workplace support looks like. This ranges from reasonable adjustments tailored to the individual, such as flexible working and workplace passports, to line managers who know the policy and start with a conversation. Guests make the case for treating menopause like any other inclusion need. They also explain how anyone can be an ally by listening and pointing colleagues towards policies and support groups.
Alongside the episode, the CIPR has published a menopause resource pack curated by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. The pack explains the stages of menopause and sets out practical resources that employers, line managers, colleagues and people going through menopause can all use.
What makes this episode so valuable is the willingness of Ruth, Deepa, and Helen to share their experiences and challenge some of the myths and assumptions around menopause. My thanks to everyone who contributed, and to our host, Stuart Culley, for guiding such an important and thoughtful conversation.
Menopause support shouldn’t sit in isolation from the wider conversation about inclusion at work. It’s about understanding people’s different experiences, communicating with empathy, challenging stereotypes and creating a culture where people feel able to ask for the support they need without fear of being judged or overlooked. That benefits not just those experiencing menopause, but their colleagues, teams and the wider industry.
We need to make sure that experienced, talented people feel supported to stay and thrive in our profession. That starts with listening, understanding and being prepared to do things differently.
- Listen to the episode on Spotify and Apple Music
- Download the Menopause Resource Pack
- Find out more about the CIPR Engage Podcast
- CIPR members can log 5 CPD points for listening to this episode
About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations
Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the world's only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners with over 11,000 members.
The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).