Not just for Women: Recategorizing Menopause

When we were told about the menopause training we were receiving at work, I instantly thought: Is this really necessary? What’s the need for me to learn about the topic when it’s not going to affect me for another 20 years? I’m not going to lie. My 23-year-old self had kept menopause locked up in that seldom entered part of my brain where ‘what-if’ death scenarios and thoughts of atomic structures are stored. Why? Perhaps I suppressed menopause because of its film depictions as the ultimate female downfall, or because I simply didn’t know enough about it.

It’s fair to say that receiving training on the topic has turned my pre-conceived notions into nothing but a fallacy. Tracy Patterson provided a sense of clarity, transforming it from a taboo and life-debilitating female condition, to something much more approachable. She even included some interactive polls to get the entire squad involved. For the majority who knew very little about menopause (myself included), she delivered the facts we needed to become a menopause aware workplace environment.

For example: did you know that symptoms are both physical and psychological? I didn’t. Or, that symptoms can be managed with HRT and natural remedies? I didn’t know that either! Tracy explained that while menopause is often associated with the end of a woman’s life, the average age at which a woman goes through it in the UK is 51. With our shelf-life these days being significantly longer than our ancestors, 1 in 6 women live beyond the age of 100! That’s a long time to be dealing with menopausal symptoms.

The webinar has made me realise that the menopause conversation needs to change.

Why should women journey through later life with an un-shared physical and psychological burden laying upon their shoulders? Simple recommendations within the workplace such as menopause off-days or sporadically later start times may be the difference between an employee staying within an organisation or not! Sounds simple, right? So why aren’t we utilising these initiatives already? Well, there’s simply not enough awareness or regard for the topic.

With 8 out of 10 menopausal women working, it’s imperative that we change the menopause workplace narrative. While I’ve always categorized menopause within my minds ‘end-of-life’ worries folder, the training has made me aware of the fact that menopause can affect us all, at random points in time. Whether we develop menopause ourselves, we want to help our menopausal partner, or even if we want to support a friend at work, it’s bound to cross our path when we least expect it. Having completed the training, I feel equipped with the skills necessary to recognise symptoms, be supportive and perhaps provide advice to those who are suffering in my circle.

Find out more about our partnership with Henpicked and our approach to being a menopause-friendly organisation here.

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Navigating Career Crossroads: Your Guide to a Fulfilling Your Next Career Move!

12 Feb, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of the professional world, many of us find ourselves at crossroads, contemplating a change in career or seeking new opportunities to ignite our passion.

September Surge – Our Top Tips for Job Seekers

by Shazamme System User • 07 Sept, 2023

Summer is over. September is here. For you lovers of the summer, this can often bring feelings of the blues, but September can represent a time for a fresh start. This time of the year can offer many opportunities for job hunters to find a new job that aligns with their skills, goals, and experience. Check out our top tips on how you can land your dream job this time around (and why you should work with Kelly). 1. Get Clear On Your Goals First and foremost, you must have a clear objective of what you want for your career. Searching for a new job can bring feelings of excitement and motivation but it can also be overwhelming for applicants. Having an idea of what industries, you would like to work in, the timeline in which you would like to find a job, and the companies you’re interested in will reduce those negative feelings but will also give you a sense of direction and focus. 2. Update Your CV The next thing you should look at is improving and updating your CV. Have you demonstrated your most valuable skills? Have you highlighted your most important accomplishments and achievements? Have you included your personal websites, business profiles, and your LinkedIn profile? These are some of the many things to consider when updating your CV. Job applicants should also keep in mind that you should adjust your CV for every job you apply for. You should customize your CV so that it reflects the job you’re applying for. 3. Work with a Recruiter Are you aware of the benefits of working with a recruiter? Recruiters are experts in the hiring industry. They can help save you a significant amount of time during your job search as they know exactly what jobs are available in the market and they can match you with a role that aligns with your experience. Recruitment consultants can help you improve your CV and cover letter as well as make sure you are prepared for interviews. If you would like to read more about the benefits of working with a recruiter, click here . September is an excellent time of the year to find that new opportunity that you have been longing for. By following these tips, you should be on the right course to navigate the job market and find a role that suits you. It’s important to stay positive during your job search as it can sometimes be a lengthy process. But just remember, the right opportunity can take time. If you would like assistance during your job search, please do not hesitate to reach out and email us at info@kellyservices. co.uk. Or click here to search our latest vacancies and apply today!

Change. How to turn your fear into fuel for a rocket move and wake up in a different reality.

28 Aug, 2023

Rephrasing the famous song, “Love is in the air”, let’s talk about change is in the air – and everywhere. We grow. We change. Look at your childhood photos. Watch your kid, your nephew, your niece. The change is there, and it’s incredible. Nature is constantly changing. We wait for summer as the time to enjoy outdoor activities and gardening, for a quick visit to the beach, or simply take time to relax and spend time with family, friends and loved ones. We wait for winter (even if we never see snow falling) to decorate the house for the holidays, pack presents for the people we love and unpack our own. The colour of the leaves changes, the weather shifts, and flowers blossom in their time – the landscape is constantly transforming. The world around us is changing. We travel to other countries and learn new things, cultures and languages. We take on new hobbies. We get new skills. After a couple of minor kitchen accidents (sometimes), we can cook delicious dishes and get compliments from family and friends. We transform our bodies at the gym or simply by creating the habit of walking every day. We meet new people, we sometimes fall in love, we build families, we have kids. And if you step back for a second, you realise you might have met your other half by pure accident. But you took a leap of faith into the unknown. We embrace many types of unknown change, except for the one that can change how we live five days a week – to change jobs. “I am too old/too young to change”, “I’m used to this environment; It’s my comfort zone”, “Well, I don’t get any promotion, and what I do doesn’t change the world, but it’s stable”, “I am afraid to ask for more interesting projects. What if my manager fires me?”. We often don’t want to change because that step requires a vision, courage, external support, and a leap of faith into the unknown. Scary? Yes. But also promising. A step into the unknown? Yes. But it can open a new door. Do your inner values marry what you do? Yes, it is essential. There is nothing terrible about staying in your comfort zone. At some stage of your career, staying put can be an excellent decision. But if you feel that you need a change – talk to Kelly. We don’t mind going the extra mile and support your wish to embrace the change. The one which will give meaning to what you do, feel proud, motivated and fulfilled. Ready for changing? We’ll make sure your talent can truly shine.