Today I decided to change the episode that I was going to record for this week because there was a decision made by the government on menopause at work, They declined to trial menopausal leave at work and the reason that they did this was because they felt that it would discriminate against men.

Menopause is a debilitating disease and it should be recognised as a disability. So I decided to share my own story of perimenopause and menopause so that men, women, and everybody can hear a heartfelt story of what it's really like to go through this experience. I also wanted to share a male perspective, so I also have an interview with my husband Tony who shares his point of view too.

Here are the Highlights:

• 01:43 My menopause journey…started when I was about 40
• 03:07 I was always working in senior corporate director roles
• 03:33 Midway into Covid, my life just changed completely
• 03:55 I could barely function as a human being
• 06:01 Be really proactive with what I wanted to happen to my body
• 07:18 My special guest today is my husband Tony
• 07:59 Wellbeing and female matters just weren't discussed
• 10:00 Sleep deprivation was the biggest thing I noticed
• 15:20 Saying that we were going through menopause really did help
• 15:50 My employer allowed me to take time out
• 16:34 You will suffer menopausal symptoms for years, not just weeks
• 21:05 I just had to come off the call because I just wanted to cry
• 24:45 I'm grateful for my employer who supported me
• 25:11 The experience that I went through made me even more determined

Connect with Steph:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephleeuk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-first-workplace

Website: https://www.heronwellness.co.uk/PFW

Email: Steph.lee@heronwellness.co.uk

Tell: 07867 872900

You can download the Wellbeing Toolkit here: https://heron.kartra.com/page/WellbeingToolkit

About the Host:

Redefining Wellbeing in the Workplace podcast is a show for Leaders who want to make a difference to how their organisation views wellbeing in the workplace by putting people first.

Packed with wellbeing topics and insights that will inspire you and your teams to implement a proactive wellbeing culture that improves lives in and beyond the workplace.

Hosted by Steph Lee, an accredited wellbeing coach who had a 30-year career as a Finance Director and CFO in large global organisations.

Steph experienced the work pressure, the feeling of overwhelm, stress & anxiety. Juggling life and a successful career and ultimately the negative impact it had on her health.

Steph is passionate that the corporate world doesn’t have to be like this and decided to make a difference by creating People First Workplace.

Be the one that makes a difference in your organisation.