A new free online resource launched today, Thursday 4th of June, will help employers across the UK respond more effectively to menopause in the workplace, boosting retention, improving wellbeing and helping to build more inclusive workplace cultures.

In partnership with Lancaster University, Wellbeing of Women have launched MENO-Kit, the UK’s first evidence-based menopause workplace toolkit, which translates more than a decade of academic research into practical, accessible guidance for employers.

Designed to support whole organisations, MENO-Kit is a multimedia resource for managers, HR and Occupational Health teams, EDI leads, trade unions and employees. It includes four practical modules covering menopause awareness, symptom management, menopause champion training and cognitive behavioural strategies.

MENO-kit has been informed by a series of research studies conducted by Lancaster University, the University of Nottingham and King’s College London. This included the UK’s first large scale study of women’s experience of menopause at work which identified key symptoms affecting working life, such as fatigue, poor concentration, low mood and hot flushes.

The toolkit has been rigorously tested in eight UK organisations spanning the public, private and charity sectors. In total, 2,162 people, mostly women in their mid-40s and 50s, contributed across the studies.

The launch comes at a time of growing urgency for employers. Research from McKinsey & Company highlights the significant economic opportunity of closing the women’s health gap, estimating it could unlock up to £11bn a year for the UK economy. Meanwhile, the NHS Confederation has underscored the economic case for investing in women’s health, pointing to clear links between better support, improved workforce retention, and reduced pressure on both employers and public services.

Alongside this, employer-focused research continues to show the real-world impact of menopause at work. A recent poll revealed that 28% of women have considered leaving work due to symptoms, 31% report reduced productivity, and many still face stigma or barriers to open conversation highlighting the need for better workplace support.

MENO-kit has been developed to help organisations respond to these challenges with practical, evidence-based tools that build confidence, reduce stigma, improve wellbeing and help retain experienced staff.

The launch is marked by an online event featuring a keynote from the Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson, Minister of State for Employment, a live demonstration of MENO-kit by Dr Abby Morris, and a discussion on practical approaches to creating menopause-supportive workplaces.

Janet Lindsay, Chief Executive at Wellbeing of Women, said:

“Too many women still struggle in silence during menopause at work, with many employers lacking the tools to respond effectively. MENO-Kit addresses this gap, offering practical, evidence-based ways for organisations to better support their people. It helps women stay working, thrive, and realise their potential at work. We’re hugely grateful to the research teams whose expertise has made this possible.”

Minister for Employment Dame Diana Johnson said:

"Women deserve workplaces that support them through every stage of life, and too many are missing out on that support when they need it most.

Menopause costs our economy billions each year in lost talent, but more than that, it costs women the dignity, independence and purpose that good work brings.

"Resources like MENO-Kit will gives employers the practical tools to change that, and I encourage every organisation to take advantage of it to support women in their business to thrive."

Dr Abigail Morris, lecturer in Workplace Health and Wellbeing at Lancaster University, said:

“We’re delighted to launch Meno-Kit which represents an important step forward in supporting organisations across the UK to take a proactive and informed approach to menopause in the workplace. By providing practical tools, evidence-based guidance and a structured framework for action, the resource will help organisations develop effective menopause action plans, foster more inclusive and supportive workplace cultures, and better support women experiencing menopause to remain healthy, engaged and thriving at work. We believe Meno-Kit has the potential to drive meaningful organisational change while improving the everyday working lives and wellbeing of women across the UK workforce.”

Davina McCall, Wellbeing of Women Ambassador, said:

“Menopause shouldn’t be something women hide or struggle with alone at work or anywhere. It’s a normal life stage, not a personal failing. By talking about menopause openly and putting the right support in place, workplaces can make a huge difference to women’s wellbeing, confidence and careers enabling them to thrive at work.”

Ben Le-Fevre Health, Fitness & Wellbeing Coordinator at Cleveland Fire Brigade who supported the development of MENO-kit said:

“When it comes to the menopause, we know that it’s something that’s going to affect everyone. MENO-kit has been developed by lots of people who understand the menopause really well and have worked on the subject for a long time. So, we know the information provided in the training is not only accurate, but that it’s going to work.

Employers can download certificates from MENO-kit to show that they’ve completed the course. If someone is struggling and they see their employer has done the course, it may mean they are more willing to have the conversations that may make them feel better at the time.”