Factors underpinning an improved menopausal experience in the workplace for doctors: a UK-based qualitative study

OBJECTIVES: A recent British Medical Association survey revealed that very few National Health Service (NHS) doctors felt comfortable discussing symptoms with their managers, and many feel unable to make changes to their working lives to accommodate their menopause. An improved menopausal experience (IME) in the workplace has been associated with increased job satisfaction, increased economic participation and reduced absenteeism. Currently, existing literature fails to explore menopausal doctors’ experiences and none factors in non-menopausal colleagues’ perspectives. This qualitative study aims to determine the factors underpinning an IME for UK doctors. DESIGN: Qualitative study using semistructured interviews and thematic analysis. PARTICIPANTS: Menopausal doctors (n=21) and non-menopausal (n=20) doctors including men. SETTING: General practices and hospitals in the UK. RESULTS: Four overarching themes underpinning an IME were identified: menopausal knowledge and awareness, openness to discussion, organisational culture, and supported personal autonomy. The levels of knowledge held by menopausal participants themselves, their colleagues and their superiors were identified as crucial in determining menopausal experiences. Likewise, the ability to openly discuss menopause was also identified as an important factor. The NHS culture, gender dynamics and an adopted superhero mentality—where doctors feel compelled to prioritise work over personal well-being—further impacted under the umbrella of Organisational culture. Personal autonomy at work was considered important in improving menopausal experiences at work for doctors. The superhero mentality, lack of organisational support and a lack of open discussion were identified as novel themes not found in current literature, particularly in the healthcare context. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that doctors’ factors underpinning an IME in the workplace are comparable to other sectors. The potential benefits of an IME for doctors in the NHS are considerable. NHS leaders can address these challenges by using pre-existing training materials and resources for their employees if menopausal doctors are to feel supported and retained.