Supporting Women at Work, Through Maternity, Menopause, and Beyond
Back to News & insights
Supporting women through menopause, maternity and life changes at work, and the financial impact they can bring
International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to come together and celebrate women’s achievements, as well as rally for change. One change we want to focus on is the challenges women face at work. The challenges that don’t just appear one day a year.
Menopause at work and the impact on careers
Menopause, maternity, caring responsibilities and health changes. These are normal parts of life, but in the workplace, they can have a huge impact on things such as income, career progression and long-term financial security. We want to support women who are navigating these life changes whilst trying to keep work life moving, as well as HR teams and managers who want to support their teams the best they can but are unsure where to start.
Menopause is completely unavoidable for women, and you don’t hear much about it in the workplace. The Fawcett Society’s research has highlighted how often women are left without basic workplace support, and how that lack of understanding can affect careers. Their report found that one in ten women who worked during menopause left a job because of their symptoms, and eight out of ten said their employer had not shared information, trained staff, or put a menopause absence policy in place. When menopause affects work, it can also affect money. Reduced hours, stepping back from responsibilities, missing out on progression, or leaving a role altogether can all create a ripple effect that lasts beyond the immediate moment.
The financial reality of maternity and returning to work
Maternity and returning to work can create a similar financial impact. Time away from work means changes in household income, increased costs, and pauses or reductions in pension contributions. It can also affect longer-term pay progression, especially if returning hours change or responsibilities shift. This is the financial reality of life stages that workplaces often do not plan for openly.
Supporting women through life’s financial turning points
As part of our campaign, we are offering a free financial plan to women who may be experiencing or preparing for key life stages such as maternity, career changes, caring responsibilities or menopause.
A financial plan can help you look ahead at how any changes in income could affect you, understand your essential outgoings and identify where extra support may be needed. It can also provide reassurance and breathing space, giving you the clarity and confidence to navigate these stages of life.
Even if these moments feel far away, planning early can help you feel more prepared and in control of your financial future.
Creating workplaces where women feel supported
For employers and HR teams, the most meaningful support often starts with culture, not policy. Policies matter, but so do conversations. Many people do not speak up because they worry that they will be judged, dismissed, or misunderstood. A supportive workplace is one where managers feel confident starting respectful conversations, where adjustments can be discussed without awkwardness, and where women do not feel they have to carry everything quietly.
To help make those conversations easier, we have created a new series of our Tough Talk Cards, practical conversation starters designed for employers to use when talking to employees about sensitive topics in a supportive way. You can download the Tough Talk Cards here.
