TRAINING
MENOPAUSE
Sharon
Taboo buster – ‘ Miss Menopause ’ MacArthur .
MATTERS
The University of Sunderland is proud to deliver Sharon MacArthur ’ s “ Menopause in the workplace ” masterclass as a course fully-funded for North-East businesses by the European Social Fund .
The university caught up with one of the course delegates , Marelli vicepresident Phil Wood , to discover what he ’ d taken from the course :
Worthwhile – course delegate and Marelli vicepresident , Phil Wood .
Sharon MacArthur - aka “ Miss Menopause ” - has been running her interactive menopause masterclass sessions at the University of Sunderland and it ’ s fair to say that they ’ ve been a huge hit .
As seen on BBC News , Sharon ’ s mission has been to break down the stigma of discussing menopause in a workplace setting – and that is exactly what this interactive session is all about .
The taboo-busting session is an easy way to support colleagues ’ continuous professional development , as well as helping employers learn how to better support women going through this key stage in their lives .
And according to Phil Wood , it was a thought-provoking and valuable exercise . He said : “ It ’ s one of the best training courses that I or many of my colleagues
Campus – University of Sunderland buildings . have ever been on because the structure of the course , and the passion with which Sharon presents it , is just brilliantly done .”
Reflecting on its impact , Phil added : “ At the end of the week when we had been on the course , there was a work social event and so many colleagues were sitting in the pub , talking about the menopause course . It was unbelievable .
“ It has instantly become a thing that people talk about in our workplace . But not only that , the usefulness to us even outside the workplace is huge as well , as we all have wives or female friends .”
Sharon was inspired to start her own business helping organisations navigate this key stage life event following her own experience going through the menopause . Her company has been operating for more than four years , with Sharon among the first people in the country to provide such a service for organisations .
Certainly , menopause in the workplace is a seriously hot topic at the moment , with the UK government recently releasing a report by the Women and Equalities Committee .
The report highlights the lack of understanding and awareness of the impact of menopause in workplace settings , which really drives home the importance of Sharon ’ s masterclass .
For example , did you know
that less than 10 per cent of businesses are currently discussing menopause in their workplace ? And yet everyone will encounter menopause at some point , whether directly or indirectly .
It could be you or a family member , a work colleague or a friend . Learn how to support them by attending this informal and friendly workshop at the University of Sunderland . And remember - this course isn ’ t just for women , it ’ s for everyone .
Phil said : “ It ’ s been so worthwhile . And the fact that it ’ s available fully-funded is amazing .”
The menopause masterclass is among nearly 100 courses in the university ’ s portfolio funded by the European Social Funded North East Workforce skills project .
To enrol , or to find out more about the university ’ s portfolio of fully-funded courses , which cover lots of subject areas including media , leadership , health and more , email esf @ sunderland . ac . uk .
To read the government report on menopause and the workplace , visit https :// lnkd . in / eAm3peYm
Marelli is now looking forward to working with Sharon and the university to develop a menopause-supportive workplace .
For more about Marelli , visit marelli . com
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