TV presenter Davina McCall has just taken a highly meaningful action to support women in the workplace
In response to the challenges women face when entering menopause, especially in the workplace, a free online resource called MENO-kit has officially been launched in the UK. This project is the result of a partnership between the charity Wellbeing of Women and Lancaster University and is considered the UK’s first evidence-based menopause support toolkit.
A solution for “silent struggles”
With the backing of TV presenter Davina McCall, MENO-kit is designed as a comprehensive multimedia system for managers, HR departments, Occupational Health teams, trade unions, and employees themselves. The toolkit includes four core modules: menopause awareness, symptom management, menopause champion training, and cognitive behavioural strategies.
The birth of MENO-kit is based on in-depth research from Lancaster University, the University of Nottingham, and King’s College London, including the UK’s first large-scale study on the experience of menopause at work. These surveys identified key symptoms that directly impact work performance, such as: hot flushes, fatigue, low mood, and poor concentration. The practical application of the toolkit has been rigorously tested through trials at eight large organizations with over 2,000 participants.
Messages from the experts
Dr. Abby Morris, a lecturer in Workplace Health and Wellbeing, affirmed: “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”. She further emphasized: “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”.
Regarding the regulatory perspective, the Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson, Minister of State for Employment, shared: “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”.
Sharing the same view, Wellbeing of Women Ambassador Davina McCall noted: “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”.
Janet Lindsay, Chief Executive at Wellbeing of Women, concluded: “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”.
