menopause for thought
Yvonne Cauldwell and Mark Field are both members of Holcim UK’s Menopause network, the organisation’s newest affinity group that works closely with its Women Empowered network.
Q. Please can you tell us about yourselves and why you decided to join the Menopause network?
Yvonne: "I was diagnosed perimenopausal at the age of 44 and I've been living with various symptoms for the past 12 years including joint weakness, knee problems, sleep disruption, dry hair and brittle nails. The joint problems I was facing were the reason for my initial diagnosis.
“I was recently promoted to my current role and brain fog really knocked my confidence during the application process. I knew my previous role inside out but sometimes I’d sit at the computer and just couldn’t remember what I’d started doing. I wasn’t aware Holcim had a support group but after speaking with my colleagues, I decided to join and have now been an ambassador for the past three years.”
Mark: “My wife is 51 and is really struggling with the menopause. When I look at the list of common symptoms, she ticks them all twice. I wanted to become a menopause ambassador to gain more knowledge on the topic to be able to help not only my wife, but also people I work with.
“The big thing that opened my eyes was back in March when I added the menopause training and discussion to the agenda of my managerial meeting. Every single person in that room was going through it and nobody had said a single word. They were going through it with their family, wives and sisters, and everyone in that room was male.
“It wasn't until March's meeting, where we added a few slides and key contacts, that they started to open up. And it's a shame because I've worked with some of them for eight years and they hadn't said a single word – that's what we really, really need to change.”
Q. What adjustments have been made as a result of the Menopause Affinity Network?
Yvonne: “The network has played a key part in the implementation and creation of Holcim’s policy framework that addresses multiple menopause-related workplace challenges. We also run chat forums that provide peer-to-peer assistance and encourage information sharing among employees.
“Our line manager training presentations have been designed to specifically target the construction industry's male-dominated leadership structure, which has been made much easier by the male voices such as Mark’s that we have within the network.
“Throughout October we’ll be running an educational campaign through our internal platform Blink to tie in with Menopause Awareness Week. This will provide those who need it with important helplines and useful information.”
Mark: "We're also continuing to expand the ambassador programme and are always happy to welcome new faces to the group. I’m pleased to say we have another two male ambassadors on the team alongside myself which is great to see.”
Yvonne: “There have been many physical workplace accommodations made to address immediate symptoms. Desktop fans have been provided to all female employees in my office for hot flush management, while heaters and throws have been distributed for colleagues who feel the cold in our offices.
“Holcim’s flexible workplace policies also allow working-from-home options during difficult symptom days when the role permits.”
Q. What adjustments have been made as a result of the Menopause Affinity Network?
Yvonne: "I think there needs to be more awareness and openness when it comes to discussing the menopause, so we can create an environment where everyone feels they can broach the topic without fear of judgement or negativity. Our support group is open to anyone going through different stages of the menopause, even if they just want to join the call and listen rather than engage.
“We've had a couple of external speakers join the sessions. For example, we invited a lady who showed us different meditation exercises to help with symptoms and somebody else who spoke to us about the different products available to help.
“I think the work Holcim is doing on the topic is fantastic. The organisation has promoted me, a 56-year-old employee with acknowledged menopause struggles, which perfectly demonstrates its inclusive practices. I hope more companies follow suit and more men feel empowered to join us in these conversations and share a different perspective on the topic.”
To find out more about Menopause Awareness Day, please visit www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day-2025/.
For more help and support, please find some useful resources below:
menopausesupport.co.uk – Supporting You Through Change
www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/help-and-support/
themenopausecharity.org/
