Supporting Menopause Awareness Month

October is Menopause Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by women during menopause and encouraging employers to offer better support in the workplace. 

On World Menopause Day, which falls on the 18th October each year, businesses are encouraged to review how they can make their workplaces more inclusive for those experiencing menopause. It is particularly important to consider factors that directly affect workers’ comfort and wellbeing, such as staff uniform design.

Well-designed, ethical workwear can be more than just a representation of a company’s brand and values. For employees, it’s something they interact with daily, and the comfort or discomfort a uniform provides can significantly impact their wellbeing. 

This is especially relevant for women going through menopause, who often experience a variety of physical symptoms that can be exacerbated by poorly designed uniforms. 

By working with experienced staff uniform suppliers like JSD, who offer customised workwear options that prioritise employee comfort, businesses can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all staff.

The Role of Thoughtful Uniform Design for Women During Menopause

It is estimated that nearly 6 million of the 33 million people currently employed in the UK are experiencing menopause. This means that nearly 20% of the workforce may be going through the often challenging symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes, night sweats, skin sensitivity, and fluctuating body temperature. 

These symptoms don’t just affect women in their home lives, but can also make the workday more difficult – especially if your company’s work uniform isn’t designed with these challenges in mind. In fact, research suggests that 67% of women with experience of menopausal symptoms say they have had a mostly negative effect on them at work. 

This is where comfortable, customised workwear can make a significant difference to the women on your staff experiencing menopause.

The Importance of Fabric and Design Choices

Uniforms made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics can help alleviate hot flushes and excessive sweating, by keeping the body cool and dry throughout the day. Natural fibres, such as organic cotton or bamboo, can offer a more breathable and softer touch against sensitive skin. Thoughtful design considerations like adjustable layering options can also provide flexibility if body temperatures fluctuate during the day.

The right uniform can also help to manage other common symptoms of menopause. For example, at least 50% of women report increasing weight as a side effect during menopause or perimenopause. Due to hormone fluctuations, it is also common for this weight to be distributed differently, accumulating around the abdomen and upper body. 

These changes can make standard-sized uniforms uncomfortable or ill-fitting. However, uniforms designed with adaptable sizing or stretch fabrics can help to ensure that employees remain comfortable regardless, without needing constant uniform replacements.

By creating workwear that considers these specific needs, businesses demonstrate their commitment to employee wellbeing. As discussed in our previous blog, Uniforms That Support Menopause, tailored uniform solutions not only provide immediate physical comfort but also empower employees by showing that their employer understands and cares about their unique needs.

Business Benefits of Thoughtful Uniform Design

Employee Satisfaction and Productivity

Investing in thoughtful uniform design isn’t just about supporting employees with specific health conditions – it’s also about fostering a more productive, loyal workforce. 

When employees feel physically comfortable and understood by their employers, their job satisfaction increases, and with it, their engagement and productivity.

By addressing diverse needs, including those related to menopause or other health conditions, businesses can boost retention rates, reduce absenteeism, and enhance overall morale. An uncomfortable uniform can lead to distracted, disengaged employees, whereas a well-designed uniform can create a sense of empowerment and pride in their role.

Corporate Responsibility

Businesses that invest in ethical workwear can also strengthen their reputation for being socially responsible. 

In a world where companies are increasingly judged by their ethical practices, demonstrating care for employee wellbeing helps build trust with both the workforce and external stakeholders. 

Supporting employees with appropriate uniform design can form part of a wider ESG programme, aligning with goals such as gender equity and diversity in the workplace. It also helps businesses avoid the financial and environmental costs of replacing uncomfortable or poorly fitting uniforms frequently.

Incorporating customised workwear that caters to individual employee needs also aligns with the increasing focus on diversity and inclusion. Tailoring uniforms to help wearers with a range of different conditions sends a clear message that the business values all of its employees and is willing to invest in their comfort and success.

Ethical Workwear Suppliers with a Focus on Employee Wellbeing

Selecting ethical staff uniform suppliers who understand the specific needs of employees is crucial in today’s workplace. Beyond offering sustainability, these suppliers should provide workwear that is thoughtfully designed to improve comfort and adapt to the health needs of employees.

Experienced workwear suppliers like JSD stand out for a deep understanding of both eco-friendly practices and how tailored uniform solutions can positively impact workplace wellbeing. As ethical workwear suppliers, we take a holistic approach to uniform design, considering everything from fabric sourcing to garment fit. 

Our expertise in choosing breathable, sustainable materials means that your uniforms are not only environmentally responsible but also more comfortable for employees who may have specific needs, such as those going through menopause. 

Benefits of Customised Workwear for Employees with Different Conditions

While menopause is clearly a key focus of Menopause Awareness Month, other health conditions can also benefit from well-designed customised workwear. 

Employees who are pregnant, have allergies, or live with chronic conditions such as arthritis or mobility issues can face discomfort in standard uniforms. 

By offering customisation, businesses can ensure their uniforms cater to the diverse needs of their workforce.

Pregnancy, for example, often requires flexible uniforms that can adapt to changes in body shape. Offering options like adjustable waistbands, stretch fabrics, or tunic-style garments can ensure that pregnant employees remain comfortable and able to perform their roles effectively. 

Similarly, employees with sensitive skin or allergies may benefit from the use of hypoallergenic fabrics that reduce irritation.

Providing uniforms that accommodate these needs doesn’t just enhance comfort – it promotes inclusivity, demonstrating that your company values its employees’ wellbeing and is proactive about supporting them. 

This can be especially important in industries such as healthcare, hospitality, and retail, where physical demands are high, and a poorly designed uniform can negatively impact performance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Menopause and Workwear

Q: What is Menopause Awareness Month, and how can companies support employees during this time?

A: Menopause Awareness Month (October) and World Menopause Day (18th October) highlight the challenges faced by women during menopause, encouraging businesses to offer support. Companies can help by raising awareness, providing flexible working conditions, and considering uniform options that accommodate the needs of menopausal women.

Q: How does ethical workwear benefit women going through menopause?  

A: Uniforms made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials can help regulate body temperature, making employees more comfortable. By offering flexible sizing and soft, natural fabrics, companies can better support women experiencing menopause symptoms.

Q: Can customised workwear be adapted for other health conditions?

A: Yes, it can address a range of needs. For example, adjustable uniforms can benefit pregnant employees, or hypoallergenic fabrics can help those with skin sensitivities. The goal is to enhance comfort and inclusivity in the workplace.

Q: What should businesses look for in ethical workwear suppliers?  

A: Businesses should look for innovative staff uniform suppliers who prioritise both sustainability and employee health. Ethical suppliers consider the full lifecycle of uniforms and use high-quality, environmentally friendly materials that are comfortable for employees with different health conditions.

Want to Support Your Workforce with Thoughtful Uniform Design?

Providing customised workwear that caters to the needs of employees going through menopause or facing other health challenges can significantly improve their comfort and wellbeing. 

Thoughtful uniform design not only supports employees but also benefits businesses by boosting engagement, retention, and overall productivity. 

If you want to learn more about how sustainable, customised uniform solutions can benefit your workforce, JSD’s experts are here to help.

Contact our team today to discover how working with an experienced staff uniform supplier can make a difference to your business!