Let's talk about something that affects pretty much all of us but rarely gets mentioned in the office: how our hormones impact our work life. Whether you're dealing with stress, going through menopause, or just trying to understand why some days feel harder than others, you're definitely not alone.
Ever had one of those days where you just can't focus, feel unusually tired, or find yourself getting frustrated over things that normally wouldn't bother you? Your hormones might be playing a bigger role than you think.
Hormonal changes can affect everything from your memory and concentration to your energy levels and mood. High stress can pump up your cortisol levels, making you feel burned out and less productive³. Changes in other hormones can mess with the brain chemicals that help regulate your mood, leaving you feeling more anxious, sad, or irritable than usual.
1. The Menopause Reality Check
If you're in your 40s or 50s, you might be dealing with perimenopause or menopause. And if so, you're in good company.
Research shows that one-third of people say menopause symptoms negatively affect their work, but here's the problem: 72% are keeping it to themselves, and 84% feel they need more support. That's a lot of people silently struggling when they don't have to.
The good news? More and more employers are starting to recognise this and offer real support, from hormone therapy access to flexible working arrangements. Forward-thinking businesses are leading the way, offering comprehensive menopause benefits including hormone therapy access, specialist consultations, and even menopause-specific paid leave².
You know your body better than anyone, but sometimes it helps to know that certain experiences are totally normal and manageable:
Sound familiar? You're not broken, and you're certainly not alone.