You may recognize this scenario -
Mary is a dynamic, confident businesswoman who has spent years learning, adapting and developing herself to grow her business to where it is today. She manages a capable team of people who rely on her input and sound judgement, and then BAM !! menopause symptoms start creeping into her daily life, and she starts;
· Second-guessing her decision making
· Forgetting salient business information
· Having random hot flushes during essential meetings
· Becoming easily irritated by her Team or Colleagues
All of which trigger increasing anxiety levels to the point Mary feels utterly overwhelmed, ashamed and confused!
The Facts
Menopause often intersects with a critical career stage. Usually occurring between the ages 45 and 55 – which coincidently is also the age bracket during which women are most likely to be running a business, leading a Team or adopting top leadership positions.
The Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) highlights that nearly 8 out of 10 menopausal women are in work, which is the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce. 3 out of 4 women experience symptoms; 1 in 4 could experience severe symptoms.
Are you an Employer?
Menopause is covered under the Equality Act 2010 and can be the grounds of sex, age or disability discrimination.
It is best practice for Employers to provide Employees with the proper support through their menopause transition.
According to the Office of National Statistics, the groups who experienced the highest sickness absence rates included older women and those working in large organizations - How much is this costing your Company?
How Mentoring can help
It certainly isn't designed to be a medical alternative, although having recently seen a Menopause specialist, I can certainly steer you in the right direction! Suffice to say, going through these symptoms myself as well as running a successful business; mentoring can help you;
· tackle day to day decision making processes
· Rebuilding confidence in your abilities
· Talking through triggers that increase anxiety and how to change focus
· Improving your work/life balance
· Adapt your business and the untapped potential within it
Kathie Crane is an Executive Business Coach and member of the Association of Business Mentors, specializing in guiding startups and business owners with organic growth and helping executives and teams unlock their full potential.
Artwork by https://www.instagram.com/bones.creative/