)
Menopause in the care sector: A report for positive change
Our new report explores how menopause affects those working in care — and the practical steps employers can take to create more supportive, comfortable workplaces.
why we think menopause matters
Menopause affects a large proportion of the population, yet its influence on the workforce is frequently overlooked. This is especially true in the care sector, where a predominantly female workforce and warm working conditions create distinct challenges.
In 2024, alsico brought together a room full of carers from across the United Kingdom, to openly discuss the menopause, creating a space to share their questions and experiences. One of the overarching messages from the day was that conversations are key, and that up-to-date research with care workers is needed to understand the challenges of menopause on a sector-wide scale.
13 million women in the UK are currently peri or menopausal
4 in 5 of carers are women
28% say menopause symptoms had them consider leaving their role
"With the care sector’s workforce made up of a high proportion of women, it’s inevitable that many colleagues will be navigating perimenopause and menopause while carrying out demanding, resident-facing roles. The nature of the work – physically active, emotionally challenging and often in environments where uniforms and long shifts are the norm – means symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, hot flushes or joint pain can be especially tough to manage"
Deborah Garlick – CEO and Founder, Menopause Friendly by Henpicked
attention is needed, but where?
Improving menopause support is critical to the viability of the UK care sector, and with such importance and complexity due to the individual nature of experiences, it can be difficult to know where to start.
From the respondents of our survey, we were provided the opportunity to understand the day-to-day support or initiatives that care home groups could introduce without significant time and investment, to contribute to a more positive experience when going through the menopause while working.
The response?
Work adjustments, policy and access, and uniforms.
what’s inside the report?
- Part of a wider upcoming report
- Exclusive insights from 110 UK carers experiencing menopause or perimenopause symptoms at work
- What carers really think about menopause support in their workplace
- The three biggest barriers to better menopause support
- How better communication, flexible policies, and thoughtful uniform design could transform wellbeing and retention across the sector
- Expert commentary from menopause advocates, care leaders, and alsico’s own design team
- Practical, actionable recommendations for employers ready to make positive change
key findings
The results of the research highlight core areas where a change in approach from those responsible for menopause policy and support can make a considerable difference to the engagement and comfort of the workforce.
3 in 5 carers
disagreed that their employers offer useful workplace adjustments to manage their menopause symptoms
44% of care home workers
don’t know how to access their company’s menopause policy
Over half of respondents
disagreed that their uniforms had the properties they needed to complete their responsibilities
expert commentary
We are proud to share our report with experts in both menopause and the care sector
Deborah Garlick
CEO and Founder of Menopause Friendly by Henpicked
Gail Manley
Corporate Services Director at Abbeyfield
Sara Catanzaro
Design Manager | Alsico UK
who is this report for?
This report is essential reading for anyone involved in supporting or managing people within the care sector:
- HR and people professionals
- Care home managers and team leaders
- Health and wellbeing leads
- Procurement and uniform coordinators
If your role involves shaping workplace culture, supporting staff wellbeing, or influencing what your teams wear — this report is for you.
"The statistics echo feedback that we have seen from organisations who have listened to their workforce and are ready to make uniform changes. Crucially, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution for menopause because it is such an individual experience, therefore regular discussions with the team on their uniforms helps to ensure a consistent feedback loop and that needs are met."
Sara Catanzaro – Design Manager at alsico UK
who we are?
At alsico, we’re committed to supporting the care sector through the continuous development and innovation of uniforms that prioritise comfort, functionality and wellbeing for all care professionals.
As one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of care home uniforms and healthcare workwear, we go beyond supply — researching, developing, and testing fabrics and designs through our alsico academy to ensure they meet the real demands of care environments. Our focus on innovation, sustainability, and the wearer experience sits at the heart of everything we do.
why are we doing this?
Menopause is a major health & wellbeing consideration, impacting a substantial proportion of the care sector workforce.
Our research has helped to narrow the focus to three key areas where positive change can be made which will have a significant impact on the comfort and satisfaction on the workforce.
Together, we aim to create a workplace culture that equips both carers and employers with the knowledge and tools to better understand and support their teams.
read the report today
Get exclusive access to the latest insights on menopause in the care sector — uncover how symptoms are affecting retention, comfort, and confidence at work, and discover where simple changes to policy, workplace support, and uniforms could make the biggest difference.
what else have we been working on?
Through collaboration, industry events, and expert-led conversations, we’ve been raising awareness, sharing best practice, and exploring practical ways to improve menopause support across the care sector.
Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve achieved so far:
Menopause Seminar at the Care England Conference
Led by Diane Danzebrink, this seminar at the Care England Conference explored the key challenges surrounding menopause support in the care sector.
Attendees heard practical solutions, discovered the latest research, and learned about upcoming initiatives aimed at improving workplace support for care professionals experiencing menopause.
Menopause matters event (care show)
In partnership with Care England, this session united carers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss practical workplace solutions for improving menopause support.
Menopause in the care sector webinar
A panel of care professionals, HR specialists, and menopause advocates came together to share best practice, discuss policy development, and highlight real-life experiences of menopause support in the workplace.
