Almost half or 45 per cent of UK women over the age of 55 don’t feel supported by their workplace, according to research from workplace mental health solutions provider Unmind.
According to Unmind, more than half of these women report that their bosses have never inquired about their wellbeing, especially when compared to women aged 18 to 24. Additionally, only 43 per cent of women over 55 feel comfortable discussing mental health issues with their supervisors, citing challenges such as worry and memory loss during menopause.
Beyond this demographic, there are concerns as well: 28 per cent of workers think talking about mental health could hurt their chances of getting a job.
The research also raises a more general problem regarding mental health training: a substantial shortfall is indicated by the fact that 26 per cent of managers and 47 per cent of employees say they have never received any training. Insufficient training has an influence on production. While 49 per cent of managers blame decreased productivity on inadequate training, 70 per cent of employees think that competent managers should offer better support.
The research shows a mismatch in how employees and managers view support; although 75 per cent of managers think their company supports mental health initiatives, only 63 per cent of employees agree, and 35 per cent say they receive no support at all.
Dr Nick Taylor, CEO and co-founder of Unmind, comments: “Menopause will affect 50 per cent of the UK’s population at some point in their lives. It’s crucial that its potential impact on mental health is not only recognised in the workplace, but that managers are equipped to deal with the effects through better training and knowledge.
“People going through menopause must receive the necessary support that can improve their wellbeing at work. As a business priority, leaders need to look at their workforce demographic and plan ahead, to retain productivity levels and the diversity of their people.
“Our research highlights the profound impact our managers can have on our mental health, underscoring the urgent need for organisations to address the managerial skills gap. By acknowledging the incredible positive impact a skilled manager can have on their employees’ wellbeing and performance, companies can take meaningful steps to improve employee engagement, retention and ultimately the bottom line.”