Henpicked Shatters Misconceptions on Menopause, Providing Awareness and Support in the Workplace

Eight years ago, Deborah Garlick embarked on a mission to change the way menopause is perceived and handled in the workplace. Today, leading Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, Deborah has turned a deeply misunderstood life stage into an opportunity for employers to support their staff and enhance organizational culture.

The genesis of this company began when Deborah published her book Menopause: The Change for the Better in 2015. The book sparked a wave of interest, leading to packed events and conferences. However, the turning point came in 2016, with a conference on menopause in the workplace sparking a clear vision within Deborah—to educate employers about the impact of menopause on their workforce and to provide practical solutions.

“Menopause has always been around, but we’re in a different time now,” she explains. “We live and work together, and the majority of women will go through menopause at an earlier age than most people think. This was a big misunderstanding that needed addressing.”

Many believed it was an issue only for retired women, not realizing that menopause typically starts in a woman’s forties and can affect her professional life for decades. Even the statistics are staggering: one in ten women in the UK left work because of menopause symptoms. Deborah realized that retention was far more beneficial than recruitment, especially regarding female employees navigating menopause.

Her motivation stems from her own experience with menopause, which led her to change jobs. She recalls, “I fell out of love with the job I genuinely loved. Looking back, that was my menopause driving that dissatisfaction.” Deborah’s personal journey underscored the need for a supportive and understanding work environment for women experiencing menopause. This realization fueled her determination to create a platform where this subject could be openly discussed and supported.

Deborah’s vision is clear: “If we change our hearts and minds around menopause now, we’re helping people today and for generations to come. It is time to normalize this conversation and support those who struggle during this life stage.”

Deborah even highlights four key points in their advocacy: demographics, the business case, legislation, and social responsibility. “We are an aging population, showing that supporting employees through menopause improves retention and performance and reduces absenteeism. Legislation varies globally, but the moral obligation to support employees remains. It’s simply the right thing to do.”

The feedback from employers and employees alike has been overwhelmingly positive. Employers report significant cultural and financial benefits while employees feel more supported and understood.

In response to the growing demand for menopause support in workplaces, Henpicked launched the Menopause Friendly membership and accreditation over three years ago. This initiative has seen remarkable success, with over five hundred employers in the United Kingdom and around a hundred successfully achieving accreditations. The membership program has also expanded to Australia and the United States, supporting employees in various territories worldwide.

This accreditation process helps organizations implement best practices for menopause support, from line manager training and colleague events to comprehensive policy development. Henpicked’s experts provide tailored solutions, ensuring that each organization can effectively support its employees.

Henpicked has organized thousands of events, including webinars and conferences, with the biggest audience of 1500 people, in 140 countries. Their approach combines education with real-world application, making it easy to integrate menopause awareness into their organizational culture. One of their most notable events is the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards, a glamorous affair celebrating organizations and individuals who have excelled in supporting their employees.

One of the biggest challenges Deborah addresses is the cultural stigma around menopause. Many women fear that disclosing their menopausal symptoms might be perceived as a sign of weakness or inability to perform their jobs. To combat this stigma, workplace experts should provide balanced educational resources that empower both employees and employers with knowledge as well as support.

Deborah underscores the importance of an inclusive conversation: “Men need to be aware, too, so that they can support colleagues, friends, and family. This isn’t just a women’s issue.” By involving everyone in the discussion, Henpicked fosters a supportive environment that benefits the entire workforce.

Looking ahead, Deborah aims to continue expanding Henpicked’s reach and impact. Her long-term goals include increasing awareness and support for menopause in workplaces globally, ensuring that future generations do not have to face the same struggles. “By the time my daughter gets to menopause age, she will be educated and comfortable talking about it,” she hopes.