And that Western women typically reach menopause in their early 50s, with symptoms that vary widely and can last for many years? Or that thousands of women leave their jobs each year because of menopausal symptoms?

Menopause has moved onto the workplace agenda in recent years, thanks to women like Chief Scientist and Macquarie alumni Dr Cathy Foley speaking out about their own experiences.

It’s a long overdue conversation: with concerning increases in poverty and homelessness among older women, keeping women employed through this time helps them retain financial independence as well as enjoying the benefits of working later in life.

A workplace taboo

Menopause often occurs at the point in women’s careers when they should be holding senior positions and being trailblazers and role models for younger people.

However, according to Professor Rebecca Mitchell from Macquarie Business School’s Health and Wellbeing Research Unit, it has been a taboo subject and women’s careers have suffered as a result.

“There remains a taboo in workplaces related to women’s physical realities – issues such as menstruation and menopause are rarely (if ever) discussed openly, Rebecca says. Women who have experienced chemotherapy and other medical treatments may also enter menopause at a much younger age.

“The silence surrounding women’s experiences of menstruation and menopause, as well as the impact of these experiences at work, is coupled by a relative lack of research that makes it difficult for managers to know how to best support women employees,” she adds.

“This has significant implications for women, many of whom keep silent about the stressful work-relevant impact of menopause.

“Importantly, organisations (as well as their women employees) suffer because the expertise and leadership potential of women in their 40s and 50s is not realised, even though this is a time at which many employees are operating at their peak.”

Shining a light on a complex workplace issue

At Macquarie, work is underway to include menopause as a recognised life stage supported by the University and provide relevant resources on the staff wellbeing website. This includes links to information provided by the Australian Menopause Society (via its consumer information tab), an e-book from our EAP provider, Benestar and access to the Menopause: it’s not a disease webinar by MQ Health’s Dr Heather Knox. Benestar also has a My Coach service for people leaders, so if managers are unsure about how to support someone, they can call anytime for a confidential chat and to get expert guidance.

Professor Mitchell says that universities are ideally placed to lead the way in showing other employers the value of this workplace cohort, in part due to their demographic profile.

 “More importantly, this area is still under-researched and therefore the role of universities in building and disseminating knowledge is particularly important,” she says.  “What better way to achieve an enriched understanding of this complex workplace issue than through a research and practice collaboration?”

Support strategies

With menopausal symptoms (and particularly peri-menopausal) varying widely between women, a one-size-fits-all approach is not always beneficial.

“Strategies that are likely to benefit women range from more flexible working conditions through to training and development for organisational leaders,” says Professor Mitchell.

“Further, the potential to support women to thrive during this period is poorly understood – this is somewhat ironic as some of the possible consequences of menopause (such as increased assertiveness) can serve women well at work.”

World Menopause Day is on today, 18 October. Read more about Macquarie Business School research into menopause in the workplace on The Lighthouse.

Irene Ng from the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Angela Chow, Selma Huang and Veronica Chen from the Macquarie Business School (pictured in the feature image) spent the day together at a candle-making workshop.

“Thank you for offering the Staff Wellbeing Day. We are able to take a break from work and did a candle-making workshop. It feels good to be recognised and return to the office with a refreshed and healthy mind,” said Irene.

Julia Rolph from Group Marketing used the Macquarie Staff Wellbeing Day to spend some extra time with her dog Lexi, taking her on a visit to the park.

David Indge from Service Connect spent the day doing something he loves, volunteering at the UCI Cycling World Championships.

Louise Carrall from the Research Executive Portfolio spent Wellbeing Day visiting Kamay Botany Bay National Park near Kurnell and the whale sculptures designed by a friend, Theresa Ardler.

“This and two other bronze sculptures of significance to the Gweagal Aboriginal People were installed along the walk in 2020 to acknowledge the 250th anniversary of the encounter between Aboriginal Australians and the crew of the HMB Endeavour on 29 April 1770. It was wonderful to be out and about in the fresh air – so grateful for the opportunity to recharge and reconnect,” she said.

Karen Geldard from Human Resources spent the Wellbeing Day on a ladder, painting at her son’s house. “We had a family working bee!” she said.

David Sams from the Macquarie Business School spent the Macquarie staff Wellbeing Day with some furry colleagues. “A well-deserved rest for the Macquarie community,” he said.

Magda Poulin is a new team member in the Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Team. Last week was her first week and she was lucky to start with a three-day week, with the ad hoc holiday on Thursday and Macquarie Wellbeing Day on Friday

“Thank you for an epic first week – I ended it by taking my kids, seven year old Filip and nine year old Viktoria to the Macquarie swimming pools on Friday! We had a fun morning and finished our experience with a treat from the café in the Sports & Recreation centre. I absolutely loved the raw bar and my almond hot chocolate,” she said.

“Thanks to the Macquarie Wellbeing Day, I got to take the train from Macquarie University station and spent a fun day at Luna Park with my parents. It was the best day of this school holidays ever! ” says the son of Sharon Zhang from the Macquarie Business School.

Melinda Chadwick from Student Engagement, Inclusion and Belonging spent the Wellbeing Day with her dog Minnie, learning how to knit with a loom. It was slow work when Minnie thought her job was tangling the yarn!

Taylor Whipp from Group Marketing used the Wellbeing Day to spend time with family.

“I travelled down to Sydney from my home on the Central Coast to visit my Nana in her nursing home, see my parents, family pets and babysit my niece. It was so nice to have some extra time to see family and relax.”

Amie Law from the Dementia Research Centre spent Wellbeing Day doing something she loves – Pottery.

“No housework or babysitting duty was going to take the time away. The demand for creativity, although challenging at times, always brings that equilibrium of mental wellbeing back from our busy lives.”

“I started doing pottery three years ago as a hobby to challenge myself with something new. It turned out to be a life saver during lockdown. I realised the benefit to my mental wellbeing and it is now  my mission to make pots for A World Without Dementia. Wellbeing Day reminded us to do something for ourselves. To me, that meant a day to strengthen my mental health and save my brain from ageing.”

“Thank you for the Wellbeing Day. I do look forward to the next Wellbeing Day in November .

Dr Natasha Magson from the Centre for Emotional Health took the opportunity to organise a family trip to Canberra with her partner, daughter, mother and mother-in-law. They spent the Friday enjoying the floral displays at Floriade, then followed up with a visit to the National Gallery and War Memorial the next day.

“We all had a ball – lots of laughs, and for the first time in ages, spent some real quality time together,” Natasha says. “As my mother-in-law rarely goes out, I think it gave her wellbeing a big boost too! The Macquarie Wellbeing Day was a win-win all round for our family.”

Pink Hope is a health hub that focuses on breast cancer prevention. It aims to empower women to take charge of their health by creating awareness and providing our community with tips and tools on how to self-examine, manage and reduce their risk of breast cancer.

Macquarie have partnered with Pink Hope so that students and staff can start an important conversation around self-checks and encourage women to undertake them monthly with confidence and ease.

Dr Negin Sedaghat, a Specialist Breast Surgeon who consults and operates at Macquarie University Hospital describes the importance of empowering women of all ages to do regular breast self-examinations – including younger women.

“Breast cancer in younger women accounts for seven per cent of all breast cancer diagnoses, but it remains the most common type of cancer in women under the age of 40,” she says.

“Approximately 80% of younger women with breast cancer find the abnormality themselves, and if they are checking regularly, they can pick up any changes at an early stage.
“Not every lump is breast cancer, but if it is, early treatment is associated with much better outcomes.”

Pink Hope have launched their new online tool which allows women to set automated monthly reminders via email to check their breasts. It contains easy-to-follow how-to instructions and personal stories from women in the breast cancer community to inspire others to put their breast health first and stay on top of their checks. Sign up today and give yourself one less thing to think about.

Pink Hope event for Breast Cancer Awareness

On 5 and 6 October Macquarie will be hosting a Pink Hope event at the Marquee. There will be activities such as experts explaining how to self-examine, informative videos, speakers on their real-life experiences, plus giveaways from Shein (womenswear), free pink cupcakes and more freebies!

Where: Marquee – Macquarie University

When: Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 October

Time: 9.30am – 4pm both days

The Bundyari Ngurra (Pron: boodge-ari noo-ra) Walking Track at Wallumattagal Campus takes you on a physical and cultural tour, passing many beautiful landmarks and places of interest within the University.

The three-kilometre circuit loops through remnant native vegetation, the protected and endangered Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest. It passes the Macquarie University Lake, Art Gallery, Frank the bear and more.

Bundyari Ngurra literally translated means Good Country in Dharug language. The words emphase the beauty of the land and remind walkers they are walking on beautiful Dharug Country.

The walk takes approximately 40 minutes and is perfect to tackle during lunch. Walking shoes are all you need but be mindful the bush section can get muddy after periods of rain.

Go slowly and spend time exploring the Sculpture Park, Bush Tucker Garden and the Macquarie University History Museum.

A reminder to our community that University grounds are open to the public. Anyone is welcome to Share our space, so you can explore this walking track with friends and family, any time.

Download the PDF map for a comprehensive outline of the points of interest along the Budyari Ngurra track.

The track is easy to follow when referencing the map.

Staff will generally not be required to work on this day. We recognise that some staff at U@MQ and MQ Health, in particular, may still perform work on this day due to the nature of their work and operational requirements.  In these circumstances, staff will be appropriately paid for work on a public holiday in accordance with the modern award or enterprise agreement which applies to their employment.

A reminder for university staff that the University’s first scheduled Wellbeing Day is also scheduled for Friday, 23 September 2022, which means an extra-long weekend for some staff.

With the staff Wellbeing Day coming up on 23 September please update your websites, iLearn sites or social accounts to let students know what your service arrangements are for that day. We’ll post on the official student social channels and the student landing page, to let them know this could mean some areas of the University are closed on that day. We’ll direct students to the website, or iLearn site, of the service they’re seeking for updates on operating hours.

All week (5-9 September), the Library cafe, Esc, Crunch and Wally’s are offering a buy-one-get-one-free hot beverage when you come with a friend. Start a conversation and connect over a hot beverage. Tips on how to ask R U OK? will be available.

On Thursday 8 September there is free entry to the Sport and Aquatic Centre. Come for a swim, do a group fitness class, and try the Health Club.  Pre-registration is must.

Then join in Drag Trivia at Ubar that night from 5 – 7pm, brought to you in partnership with Sextember. Register now to grab your spot.

It is also a time to ask for help, an opportunity to lean on your support network and share how you are feeling. A conversation can change a life and knowing there are people who care and want to help can make all the difference.

Macquarie’s Chief People Officer, David Ward, says, “at times, maintaining mental health and wellbeing can be challenging for everyone. A willingness to look out for each other is part of what makes Macquarie such a special community. I know from personal experience that checking in with a colleague, friend or family member can make a real difference to a person who is struggling with something big or small but who might be keeping those difficulties hidden below the surface.”

Professor Mariella Herberstein, Dean of Students, says, “it can be challenging to ask if someone is ok and, if asked, to also answer from the heart. To all of you who are asking with genuine interest and concerns and to all who are answering: thank you!”

If you work with students, it’s worth noting these resources:

• Wellbeing – Student Support
• Counselling – Personal Support

On R U OK? Day, students can have a quick chat with a psychologist, bookings are required.

Campus Life R U OK? Day Offers

Maxi is a bichon-toy poodle cross who just happens to be owned by Taleen Biberian, Macquarie’s Wellbeing Services Coordinator. For the week of R U OK? Day it feels right to spotlight Maxi’s boundless commitment to MQ students. His employment is backed by science too, with research showing canine cuddles can release oxytocin, and lower the heart rate and blood pressure.

Something you’d like staff to know about

I LOVE belly rubs, any day, any time. So I beg you to come visit.

Something you feel proud of

Following in the footsteps of the late, great Snowy, dec. 2017.

A person you admire at Macquarie, and why

Student Wellbeing staff, they do such important work supporting students. They are my real role models in this job.

What you need to do your best work

Look, it’s a truth universally accepted that a small dog, in possession of a large sleep mat, must be in want of nothing else. So, if I know said sleep mat awaits me at the end of the day… I can play and snuggle for Australia.

The coolest bit of equipment you use in your work, and what it does

My staff ID – it means I’m a real boy!

Something people usually ask you when they find out what you do for a living

Do you have the best job at Macquarie? Ahh, yup.

Something you’ve read recently that has had an impact on you

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles. It strengthened my resolve to champion canine emancipation.

A favourite photo from your camera roll

The selfie published here. This year I’ve been working on my bikini selfies. #nailedit

A website or app you can’t live without

Puppr. obvs

Something you’re trying to do differently in 2022

Learning to do tricks, without treats

The two Wellbeing Days will take place on Friday, 23 September and Monday, 7 November 2022. The University will close as much as possible on these days to enable staff to genuinely stop work and take the time to rest and recharge.  Any staff who may have booked annual leave on one or both of these days should reverse their leave booking(s) in Workday.

It is recognised, however, that some staff members may need to work on these specific dates, particularly on 7 November which coincides with the commencement of the exam period. In these circumstances, staff will be permitted to take their Wellbeing Day(s) on an alternative date before the end of 2022. Staff should discuss and agree on any alternative dates with their supervisor.

“These Wellbeing Days are a gesture of my appreciation for the Macquarie community and their continued commitment and contribution to delivering an exceptional experience for our students in the face of reduced staff capacity due to illness and absence”, says Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton.

The leadership teams at U@MQ and MGSM are working through how wellbeing days might be operationalised in their areas, while MQ Health is also considering measures and initiatives to support wellbeing. Further information will be announced for staff in these areas shortly.

These are available for all Macquarie employees to complete from now until the end of September 2022. Courses can be completed at the participant’s own pace and take 45-60 minutes to complete. Topics include stress management, access and seeking support, and strategies to maintain optimal wellbeing.

The Understanding Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing at MQ is designed to explore skills and techniques to manage your mental health in the workplace. It addresses common myths and impacts of stigma around mental health, as well as common mental health conditions. The aim is for participants to develop skills to have effective conversations about mental health and explore the range of support services available to them.

There is also a version of the course, Understanding Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing for MQ Managers, which covers the same ground with an additional module for how to look out for your team members’ mental health. It includes videos of what staff think about managers actions towards mental health and an activity to help guide and respond to certain situations.

Find out more about this and other courses in Workday.