The Department of Psychology at MIC warmly welcomes you to join us for our Autumn Research Seminar Series. Below you can read about the first of an exciting series of talks we have scheduled.
Menopause Café - Hot & Brain Bothered: An Exploration of the Effect of Menopausal Symptoms on the Workplace Performance in Education Settings
- When: Monday 20 October at 1pm
- Where: JHN221, MIC Limerick
To mark World Menopause Day (18 October) this Menopause Café will kick off with a short presentation of the findings of a recent EDII funded systematic review conducted by Dr Suzanne Egan, Dr Clara Hoyne and Professor Niamh Stack before opening the floor for discussion on how the findings relate to experiences within MIC and possible suggestions for addressing these.
The systematic review itself was conducted in response to a survey conducted in Ireland in 2021 by The Menopause Hub which found that 82% of women had their performance at work negatively affected by menopause symptoms, while 39% said they had missed work because of symptoms. Twelve percent of women in the survey indicated they had given up work because of the symptoms. Findings from international studies are similar, with one UK survey reporting that those experiencing menopause were less likely to want to apply for promotion (Fawcett Society, 2021).
The current MIC EDII funded review focused on how menopausal symptoms may affect the workplace performance of educators, by conducting a review of available international evidence. The review findings highlighted educator workplace challenges, including reduced work capacity and changes in professional identity. As Nordling (2022, p. 382) noted in relation to the menopause and academia, “Anything that affects your ability to process information, your decision making, your focus — that’s not a good look for an academic”. Building upon the findings of the international review, the research also aims to explore effective evidence-based strategies to support educators experiencing menopause.
The impact of the menopause on different types of workplaces and professions will also be considered.
Joint event hosted by EDII Office and Department of Psychology.
