Some error occured while loading the Quick View. Please close the Quick View and try reloading the page.
Business Book Awards 2026 Shortlisted in DEI category
Being menopause friendly is good for women, AND business
Just at the point where they have most to offer your organization, many senior, experienced women face the challenges of menopause symptoms. Without the right support this can impact their participation, performance, progression and well-being. This is costly not only for the women themselves, but for the businesses that employ them. That cost increases – both financially and reputationally – when employers fail to act.
‘Laura Haycock begins this book by saying that she hopes it ‘will help organizations support women better in the future.’ Well, I think she’s knocked it out of the park!' Professor Jo Brewis, co-author of the UK Government report The effects of menopause transition on women’s economic participation in the UK (2017)
‘Any organization who employs women should have ready access to this book.’ Dr. Louise Newson, Founder of Newson Health Group and member of the UK Government’s Menopause Taskforce
Laura Haycock is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society with over 30 years of consultancy experience across all aspects of talent management. Through her business, Brew People, Laura helps good leaders become great leaders by putting inclusion at the heart of everything they do to: identify true talent; empower high performance; connect diverse teams; and develop everyone’s full potential.
In this book she sets out the business case for supporting women through menopause and a simple, evidence-based framework for creating an effective Menopause Action Plan.
A timely and insightful guide that empowers organizations to support employees navigating menopause. By providing a comprehensive action plan, Haycock offers a valuable resource for businesses seeking to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.- NetGalley
This is such a wonderfully insightful and informative resource. So easy to digest and put into action. A must read for any business leader or manager. - Amazon 5*
...essential reading for any leader serious about building an inclusive, high-performing workplace...Engaging, strategic, and full of real-world case studies—this guide will give leaders the confidence to drive real change and stay competitive in today’s talent market - Amazon 5*
The M-POWERED framework is a standout—clear, practical, and full of useful tools for turning policy into real impact. With smart guidance on ROI, strategy, and relationship-building, plus excellent case studies, this is a must-read for anyone serious about retaining and supporting female talent - Amazon 5*
Laura Haycock is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, with over 30 years of consultancy experience across all aspects of talent management including selection and assessment, performance management, career development, employee engagement, leadership and team development, culture change, and diversity and inclusion.
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
PART 1: THE CASE FOR TAKING ACTION
TIME FOR A RE-THINK ON MENOPAUSE
- What’s new about old women?
- Menopausal women have a lot going on
- The changing world for working women
UNDERSTANDING THE MENOPAUSE TRANSITION AND ITS IMPACT
- All aboard the hormone roller-coaster
- Shaken not stirred: managing a cocktail of menopause symptoms
- How menopause puts the breaks on women at work
WHY MENOPAUSE FRIENDLY ORGANIZATIONS DELIVER VALUE
- Securing a strategic, financial, and ethical pay-off
- Managing the risk of legal challenge
FOCAL POINTS FOR CHANGE
- Turning taboo into “Wow! Who knew!”
- The problem ain’t women!
- Empowerment lost and found
- M-POWERED: A framework for creating a menopause action plan
PART 2. FROM AWARENESS TO ACTION
PURPOSE: STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGED IN A SHARED PURPOSE
- Demonstrate strategic alignment
- Estimate the return on investment
- Engage stakeholders in your menopause policy commitments
OPENNESS: COURAGE AND OPENNESS TO TALK AND TO LEARN
- Get the conversations started
- Shine a light on menopause inequity
- Listen to women and their experiences
WILL: PERSONAL WILL AND AGENCY, IN VOICE AND CHOICE
- Encourage shared decision-making
- Allow flexible options
- Know when it’s ok to say “no”
EFFECTIVENESS: ABILITY, POTENTIAL, AND EFFECTIVENESS
- Refocus on strengths and the capacity to adapt and grow
- Reinforce positive role models
- Resolve beliefs, emotions and habits that get in the way
RELATIONSHIPS: SUPPORTIVE, TRUSTING RELATIONSHIPS AND CULTURE
- Develop menopause awareness and skills
- Reinforce a menopause friendly culture
- Build and connect the community
ENVIRONMENT: MENOPAUSE FRIENDLY PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
- Keep it cool
- Keep it calm
- Keep it discrete and convenient
- Keep it safe
DELIVERY: SUSTAINABLE AND SYSTEMIC DELIVERY
- Start with the beginning, middle and the end in mind
- Establish a menopause “golden thread”
- Keep an eye on progress
CONCLUSION
RESOURCES