British Forces Gibraltar’s Joint Education Training centre, in partnership with the in-house MOD Wellbeing team, has launched “Menopause in the Workplace: A Guide for Managers”.  

A statement from British Forces Gibraltar follows below:

This empowering workshop was specifically designed to help managers better support staff  experiencing menopause, encourage constructive management practices, and dispel  common misunderstandings. And, importantly, for our employees experiencing menopause  to better recognise the normal signs and symptoms. 

The initiative was inspired by findings within the UK Civil Service, which highlighted that  many talented and experienced women were leaving the workforce due to the impact of  severe menopausal symptoms. By increasing understanding and awareness, we aim to ensure that no one feels they have to step back from their career during this natural stage of  life. 

The workshop equips managers with the confidence, knowledge, and practical tools to  provide meaningful support and reasonable adjustments, helping to make our workplace  more inclusive, compassionate, and understanding. By conducting this training, we also aim  to lessen the pressures and stresses for those going through menopause. 

The sessions have been very well attended, including by Commander British Forces,  Commodore Tom Guy, and had excellent feedback from participants. Due to their success  and the growing interest in the topic, we intend to run the workshops again in the near future  to meet the additional demand and continue to widen the support network within MOD  Gibraltar. 

Building on this positive momentum, the workshop is now being further developed with a  new focus on employees. The next phase will emphasise what British Forces Gibraltar can  do to support staff as they go through menopause, with the aim of delivering these sessions  soon. This continued effort will help to further raise awareness, encourage open  conversation, and normalise the topic within the workplace about the experience, and  allowing those going through the menopause to be themselves. 

Together, we are breaking the stigma, fostering empathy, and ensuring that every member  of staff feels valued and supported, whatever stage of life they are in.