BOSSES could be sued for discrimination if they fail to look after menopausal members of staff.
Guidance from the equalities watchdog said women experiencing menopausal symptoms should be allowed to work from home.
Other advice includes improving office ventilation, relaxing uniform policy to allow for cooler clothing and providing rest areas.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission said menopause can be considered a disability under the Equality Act as symptoms can have a “long-term and substantial impact” on workers.
Chairwoman Baroness Falkner of Margravine said: “As Britain’s equality watchdog, we are concerned both by how many women report being forced out of a role due to their menopause-related symptoms and how many don’t feel safe enough to request the workplace adjustments.
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“An employer understanding their legal duties is the foundation of equality in the workplace.
“But it is clear that many may not fully understand their responsibility to protect staff going through the menopause.
“Our new guidance sets out these legal obligations for employers and provides advice on how they can best support their staff.”
Taking disciplinary action against a menopausal woman because of menopause-related absence from work could amount to unlawful discrimination unless it is justified, the guidance adds.
Using language that ridicules someone because of their menopausal symptoms could be harassment.
Uniform policies that disadvantage women with menopause symptoms could also amount to indirect sex, age or disability discrimination, the watchdog warns.
A video explaining the guidance says: “The costs of failing to make workplace adjustments for staff can run into hundreds of thousands of pounds when taking into account the loss of talent and costs of defending a claim.”
Research shows one in 10 women who have worked during the menopause have left their jobs due to symptoms, the watchdog said.
Two thirds of working women between the ages of 40 and 60 with experience of menopausal symptoms said they have had a mostly negative impact on them at work, it added.
“Very few” workers request workplace adjustments during this time, often citing concerns about potential reactions, the watchdog added.
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It is encouraging employers to “carefully consider” the guidance available on its website and “adapt their policies and practices accordingly”.
Post-menopausal women are the fastest-growing work group, with nearly five million aged 50 to 64.
