A Cwmbran-based wellbeing expert is on a mission to tackle menopause challenges in the workplace by raising awareness and offering support through training and workshops.
Andrea Griffin, 63, who is passionate about raising awareness of menopause, launched her business ‘Griffinhouse Well-Being’ earlier this month to coincide with Menopause Awareness Month.
She is determined to ‘break the silence’ and start conversations surrounding menopause and andropause- the ‘male menopause’ through workshops and training.
“We need to break the silence that surrounds menopause and to understand how it affects not just women but men too,” explains Andrea, a clinical hypnotherapist and menopause wellbeing coach.
“With close to four million women aged 45-55 employed in the UK workforce and over 50s representing a significant and growing percentage of the workforce, it’s vital that they feel supported by employers.
“I intend to ensure that both individuals and companies have access to tools that can help manage symptoms, understand, offer support and suggest ways to make adjustments, lifestyle changes and to hold open conversations with employees.
“I want to be a one-stop shop for senior leaders and managers and raise awareness, provide a toolbox of techniques, strategies and advice for both men and women facing a range of challenges affecting their everyday lives that impact on their wellbeing, to cope with the symptoms.”
Andrea’s own menopause and health issues inspired her to support others going through similar mid-life challenges and issues.
The grandmother-of-four, who retired from a 30-year career in advisory teaching roles in education at the end of last year, said:
“I’ve had my own health challenges. I’ve been through breast cancer, suffered from clinical depression, burnout, Meniere’s disease, extreme fatigue, lack of self-confidence, anxiety and weight gain.”
“I thought I knew all about menopause which generally starts between the ages of 45 and 55, but never associated it with any of the symptoms I was experiencing, whilst coping with work stress, health and family life.”
“It all felt like climbing a mountain. I never joined the dots until I saw a counsellor and tried a range of therapies.
“It wasn’t until I studied advanced menopause and andropause as a clinical hypnotherapist that I realised there are more than 50 symptoms ranging from hot flushes to anxiety, stress, depression, weight gain, headaches, brain fog, a lack of concentration and fatigue, all of which can have a negative impact on women in their daily working life.” explained Andrea.
Andrea’s training courses and workshops are designed to provide a basic understanding of menopause and its signs and symptoms, with the option of follow-up sessions to help employees better manage their symptoms and improve their wellbeing.
“This, in turn, would help to retain valued, experienced staff and increase productivity.”
She also offers training sessions for businesses to develop menopause friendly workplaces and allow senior team leaders, managers, menopause champions to support all staff through their journey.
“It’s also about enabling managers to better support their staff and adhere to new guidance on menopause in the workplace,” she added.
