Case Study 1

Case Study 1: NELFT Menopause at Work: An Organisation-Based Case Study

• Initiated: 2023 (study published December) – Ongoing
• Provider: North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT)
• Target Group: NHS staff (primarily female clinical employees aged 41–55
• Goal: To assess how menopause is experienced and supported within a large healthcare setting, identify systemic gaps, and recommend more flexible, person-centred approaches for staff wellbeing.
  Key Actions
• Conducted a staff-wide survey (n=6905) with 167 responses assessing symptoms, demographics, and work impact
• Interviewed managers to understand access to support and organisational culture
• Reviewed 13 internal HR and policy documents on menopause
• Analysed symptom severity, workplace effects, and links to anxiety/depression
• Identified cultural and structural barriers to support, especially for patient-facing roles
  Impact
• 66% of respondents reported experiencing symptoms; 13% had severe symptoms
• Clear links found between menopause, mental health, and job performance
• Highlighted need for flexible scheduling and better-trained line managers
• Findings used to shape updated workplace policies and wellbeing strategies
  Lesson Learned
• Manager confidence and open dialogue are key enablers
• Rigid schedules for clinical staff remain a major barrier
• Ongoing review and policy adaptation are necessary for lasting impact
  Success Factors
• Senior leadership support (e.g., Healthy Workplace recognition 2018–19)
• Mixed-methods evaluation combining staff voices and HR policy audit
• Integration of occupational and mental health services (e.g. Superwellness partnership)
• Flexibility measures tailored to high-pressure, patient-facing contexts
  Sustainability
• Embedded within broader NHS wellbeing strategy
• Regular manager training and staff needs assessments
• Knowledge-sharing across NHS Trusts
• Institutional commitment to evidence-based adjustments and ongoing evaluation