Research launched into impact of workplace clothing during menopause

A researcher is seeking people with lived experience of menopause at work for a study exploring how workplace clothing and uniform policies affect comfort, wellbeing and performance.

Zoe Shaughnessy, who is undertaking a qualification with the British Psychological Society, is collaborating with Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace to examine the relationship between clothing, menopause and working life.

The research will explore how workplace dress expectations interact with menopausal experiences and influence comfort, identity, inclusion, wellbeing and performance.

Shaughnessy is inviting responses from employees experiencing perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause symptoms, including trans men, intersex people and non-binary people, as well as leaders able to share their experiences of supporting menopause in the workplace.

She said all responses would be anonymised and aggregated in any published findings.

Shaughnessy said: “My hope is that this study will contribute to the growing body of knowledge about gendered ageing at work by examining the lived experience of people working through their perimenopause and menopause in relation to their clothing choice and options.

“My aim is to support improvements in this space through a better understanding of the lived experience of women, clothing and menopause in the workplace.

“As the longest-established and leading provider of menopause in the workplace training, support and resources, Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace has a wealth of employers and employees within its Menopause Friendly membership.