Business Book Awards 2026 Shortlisted in DEI category

Being menopause friendly is good for women, AND business

Just at the point where they have most to offer your organization, many senior, experienced women face the challenges of menopause symptoms. Without the right support this can impact their participation, performance, progression and well-being. This is costly not only for the women themselves, but for the businesses that employ them. That cost increases – both financially and reputationally – when employers fail to act.

‘Laura Haycock begins this book by saying that she hopes it ‘will help organizations support women better in the future.’ Well, I think she’s knocked it out of the park!’ Professor Jo Brewis, co-author of the UK Government report The effects of menopause transition on women’s economic participation in the UK (2017)

‘Any organization who employs women should have ready access to this book.’ Dr. Louise Newson, Founder of Newson Health Group and member of the UK Government’s Menopause Taskforce

Laura Haycock is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society with over 30 years of consultancy experience across all aspects of talent management. Through her business, Brew People, Laura helps good leaders become great leaders by putting inclusion at the heart of everything they do to: identify true talent; empower high performance; connect diverse teams; and develop everyone’s full potential.

In this book she sets out the business case for supporting women through menopause and a simple, evidence-based framework for creating an effective Menopause Action Plan.

A timely and insightful guide that empowers organizations to support employees navigating menopause. By providing a comprehensive action plan, Haycock offers a valuable resource for businesses seeking to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.– NetGalley

This is such a wonderfully insightful and informative resource. So easy to digest and put into action. A must read for any business leader or manager. – Amazon 5*

…essential reading for any leader serious about building an inclusive, high-performing workplace…Engaging, strategic, and full of real-world case studies—this guide will give leaders the confidence to drive real change and stay competitive in today’s talent market – Amazon 5*

The M-POWERED framework is a standout—clear, practical, and full of useful tools for turning policy into real impact. With smart guidance on ROI, strategy, and relationship-building, plus excellent case studies, this is a must-read for anyone serious about retaining and supporting female talent – Amazon 5*

Laura Haycock begins this book by saying that she hopes it ‘will help organizations support women better in the future.’ Well, I think she’s knocked it out of the park! M-POWER is very clearly and accessibly written and chock-full of evidence-based guidance and recommendations. It features brilliant case studies from menopause-friendly organizations of all different shapes and sizes. The book is also very nuanced, paying careful attention to gender inclusivity and intersectionality. Perhaps even more importantly, the M-POWERED framework is easy to remember as well as comprehensive and sensible. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it very highly indeed to anyone (business leaders in particular) who wants to understand more about how to support menopausal staff at work, and why this is so important. Brava, Laura, and I mean that very sincerely indeed! – Professor Jo Brewis, Co-author of the UK Government report The Effects of Menopause Transition on Women’s Economic Participation in the UK and co-editor of Menopause Transitions in the Workplace

Menopause and hormonal changes are still often misunderstood and underestimated, especially in the workplace. Many people are confused how best to help women who are experiencing symptoms, and this book will help provide clarity. Any organization who employs women should have ready access to this book. – Dr. Louise Newson, Founder of Newson Health Group, and member of the UK Government’s Menopause Taskforce. Award-winning educator, podcaster, and author of The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause

Laura’s book makes a persuasive case for implementing a menopause action plan, emphasizing its strategic value for businesses. With the rise of older women in the workforce and evidence of a menopause penalty, the book underscores the urgent need to support women – and businesses – in reaching their full potential. Backed by insights from social research, medicine, law and organizational science, it builds a compelling argument for change. The second half introduces the M-POWERED framework, offering adaptable, practical steps for organizations. A must-read for business leaders seeking a clear and practical guide on this critical issue. – Max Landsberg Bestselling author of The Tao of Coaching, former Partner at McKinsey & Co, and Heidrick & Struggles

I loved this book and will be gifting it to multiple clients. So much has been written about the menopause, but business leaders are still craving a down-to-earth approach that gets to the heart of what they can do to enable their female talent to progress and thrive through the menopause years. Leaders will particularly value the M-POWERED framework. In clear language, it sets out how you can deliver on a menopause policy (rather than write it and ignore it!), helping the reader with tools such as how to develop a business case, estimate ROI, maintain relationships and develop a good strategy. Illustrated with case studies throughout, this is an invaluable read for anyone interested in retaining the women in their business. – Lucy Ryan Managing Director, Mindspring; Author of award-winning Revolting Women: Why midlife women walk out and what to do about it

This groundbreaking book is a much-needed wake-up call for business leaders to step up and support the women who power their organizations. The UK is leading the charge on the global stage, and Laura Haycock delivers a compelling business case for why menopause-friendly workplaces aren’t just a nice-to-have – they’re essential for future-proofing your talent strategy. The M-POWERED Framework is particularly valuable, offering a clear, practical and actionable approach that is both smart and necessary. This book isn’t just about making businesses better – it’s about creating truly inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you’re serious about retaining top talent and driving real change, this is your go-to guide. After all, thriving businesses start with thriving people – and that includes women at every stage of life. – Heidi Cooper, Employment Lawyer at HCR Law, Independent Panel member for The Menopause Friendly Accreditation

M-POWER is a must read for business leaders who want to create a truly inclusive workplace. Too often menopause is ignored or misunderstood but this book cuts through the stigma and harmful myths with clarity, compassion and evidence-based insights. The M-POWERED framework provides a clear, practical road map for organizations to become menopause friendly ensuring that employees feel supported, valued and empowered at every stage in their careers. With an engaging style, practical strategies, and compelling case studies, this book equips leaders with the knowledge and confidence to support employees through this transition. Forward-thinking organizations that embrace a menopause-friendly people strategy will gain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent. An essential guide for any leader committed to building a high-performing, inclusive workplace. – Joanne Healy Head of Group Employee Relations, Bank of Ireland, Qualified Barrister, and Co-author of Human Resources and Employment: Policies and procedures

I found this an excellent and empowering read, inviting the reader to join the discussion in an accessible and relaxed style. It made the point very strongly that there is a ‘menopause penalty’ that society needs to recognize and address. This comes at a timely point given the growing political activity around menopause, in addition to the significant interest from women themselves. I would recommend this book to women in work, organizations and managers to ensure we all recognize the menopausal workforce phenomenon, and so that we work together to retain the valuable contribution this group provides. – Jacqui McBurnie NENC ICB Menopause Lead; Founder and former Chair of the Menopause Network, member of the Cross- Government Menopause Network Executive Steering Committee

Very easy to digest, with an open sanguine style that neither preaches nor self-indulges, Laura’s book provides constructive clear fact-based advice for supporting working women through their menopause experience. Part 1 provides a useful summary of how and why menopause affects women, the impact it has on women’s working lives, and why organizations should take action. Lots of the information was either new to me, or I hadn’t seen presented in this way before. Part 2 is more focused on what organizations can do to support women. The M-POWERED framework whilst aspirational, also feels realistic and achievable, and I valued the inclusion of case studies that illustrated different approaches UK companies have taken. Definitely a must-read for anyone working in HR or talent development. – Maxine Zaidman Associate Director at JBA Consulting, Head of Learning Development, Marketing and Support

As a middle-aged guy and business leader, I’ll admit I initially approached a book about menopause at work with a degree of hesitation. I felt I was out of my depth and wasn’t quite sure how relevant it would be to me. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Laura’s groundbreaking work completely changed the way I view this critical workplace issue. Laura weaves a compelling narrative that’s both eye-opening and practical. She dismantles the taboos surrounding menopause with precision and empathy, shining a light on the real challenges women face and the real consequences of organizational inaction. What really sets this book apart, though, is its practical focus with a clear, actionable roadmap for change. This isn’t just a book for HR leaders – it’s for anyone who cares about the future of work. It will challenge your assumptions and equip you to drive meaningful change. – Craig Simpson CEO, O.R. Talent

M-POWER is a highly practical framework supporting business leaders’ understanding and approach to supporting critical valued team members at a vulnerable time, and we all know that we follow leaders who care. It goes beyond the commercial rationale for attracting and retaining talent, to leading with empathy and belonging. The book is thoroughly researched, coupled with case examples, which I really enjoyed. These provided leading practice, aspirational and inspirational company approaches and the reputational, retention and empathetic value achieved. A must read for business leaders, and those holding the policy pen, giving them the confidence to drive forward on supporting others facing these challenges in the future. For female leaders themselves, I see this book being of real benefit in helping them understand how their own experiences compare to others. – Helen Pullen Director at Minerva Performance Consulting, Learning and Organisational Development at NFU Mutual

The menopause has been sadly overlooked when it comes to inclusion at work. Laura’s book changes all of that! Accessible and easy to read, yet packed with powerful research and real-life case studies, her book offers leaders practical tips on how to break down taboos, create a compelling argument for change, and lead with compassion and collaboration. It highlights an often-overlooked aspect of our inclusion obligations. Each stage of the M-POWERED framework offers step-by-step guidance towards creating a menopause friendly working environment. Anyone who is truly committed to helping workplaces thrive through the power of its people, all people, will find this an invaluable companion on the journey. Read this book! – Jon Atkins Business Psychologist and Inclusion Specialist

This book is an invaluable resource that addresses the often-overlooked challenges faced by women going through menopause. What makes it truly unique are the easy-to-implement, actionable insights and practical strategies aimed at helping any individual or organization create and develop a menopause-friendly workplace environment that supports, empowers and inspires everyone. Specsavers are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture, having proactively taken steps towards achieving Menopause Friendly Accreditation. This book will help other businesses – large and small – to achieve the same. – Lou Furby Specsavers Menopause Network Group Co-Chair

M-POWER by Laura Haycock is an important book. Menopause was rarely, if ever, discussed in companies until recently. I have to admit that menopause was never something that I considered or addressed, even when running companies with a large proportion of female employees. I wish I had read M-POWER. Laura talks powerfully about her own experience, but the book also contains a goldmine of information about the physical and mental impacts of menopause. It sets out invaluable, practical guidance for leaders to make their organizations better able to support people going through menopause. Male leaders – and I deliberately say this to you as one myself – get a copy and read it as soon as you can! It will help you understand and support a large proportion of working people to get through a diffi cult stage of life and do their best work. – Dominic Shales Founder, RESET Media Group

This book delivered on many levels. As a woman in her 50s there were multiple places where I internally shouted ‘yes!’ as it captured so many of my experiences of working through the menopause. As an educationalist I was convinced by its use of academic research to establish how significant and widespread the issue is. And as the leader of a business employing over 800 people, I found the book of enormous practical benefit. The chapter summaries and case studies helped me move from thinking ‘that’s interesting and important’ to ‘this is what we can do about it’ such as achieving cultural change through implementing coaching conversations. And as a busy person juggling multiple priorities, the M-POWERED framework offered me a simple but flexible approach to making an immediate and lasting impact. – Emma TaylorWarden/CEO Dean Close Foundation

Laura’s personal story really resonated with my own and countless other women’s experiences and the way the book unfolded had me hooked! Her humour brings well placed levity to a serious and important subject – the subtitles are still making me smile! – and her practical suggestions in the M-POWERED framework, based on solid science were excellent. This book is so useful for anyone who needs to and wants to know more about the impact of the menopause and is an absolute must for managers and leaders, to help navigate the unique, yet commonplace, turbulence that the menopause creates. My hope is that despite the many and varied challenges that menopausal women face daily (and nightly!), that this book helps more wonderful women feel supported, as they find ways to continue to contribute and drive value in their roles at work and in life. – Gill Graham Principal Psychologist and Partner, Cargyll

A must read for anyone who wants to create an inclusive organization that enables women to thrive through menopause and beyond. Written at a time when the public dialogue on menopause is growing, but workplaces are slow to adapt due to a lack of practical advice, this book seeks to bridge the gap. Laura weaves together research, storytelling and practical advice, introducing the M-POWERED framework to give business leaders confidence in taking action. By the end you will feel compelled that addressing menopause in the workplace is a social, moral and business imperative, requiring strategic, inclusive and empathetic efforts. At a time when humanity is facing some of its greatest challenges, every leader must know how to tackle menopause. Laura shows us how. – Adina Uritescu Group Head of Leadership, Talent and DEI, Direct Line Group

If you want to engage, enable and, most importantly, retain the women working in your organization, then you need to dive into this book! Laura Haycock’s M-POWERED framework takes you step-by-step through everything you need to know – and do – to build a resilient work experience for those on the menopause journey. She adopts a science-led and evidence-based approach which, combined with her deep understanding of human and organizational behaviour, provides rich insights for all business leaders – and indeed anyone in the workplace. I particularly love the coaching bias, as well as the case studies and real-life examples making this a practical and pragmatic read. Laura’s voice is so natural and engaging that it’s an easy read (not an easy topic!) and you’ll fly through the pages ready to M-POWER your organization! – Stephanie Rudbeck Senior Talent Management, Development and Coaching Specialist, past Senior Director, Talent & Reward at Willis Towers Watson

M-POWER is an excellent business book that de-mystifies and de-stigmatizes this challenging, un-predictable, and often mis-understood life-stage. Many leaders may be yet to explore how they address this issue, despite it affecting a huge proportion of the workforce. M-POWER provides the best starting point to open up the conversation. The book is extremely well written through both a personal lens and also a unique organizational, historical and societal perspective. It is thoroughly researched and also pragmatic in content and tone, making it both thought-provoking and, ultimately, very readable. Helpful summaries at the end of each chapter reinforce the overarching themes. Key messages that resonated include the importance of empathic cultures that are psychologically safe, and of offering adaptable work environments. This book will encourage business leaders to hold up the mirror to their own practices, policies and approaches, the M-POWERED framework providing a very useful structure to achieve this. – Andrew Lawson Experienced People Director within education and hospitality sectors and past Head of HR at Shakespeare’s Globe

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

PART 1: THE CASE FOR TAKING ACTION

TIME FOR A RE-THINK ON MENOPAUSE

• What’s new about old women?
• Menopausal women have a lot going on
• The changing world for working women

UNDERSTANDING THE MENOPAUSE TRANSITION AND ITS IMPACT

• All aboard the hormone roller-coaster
• Shaken not stirred: managing a cocktail of menopause symptoms
• How menopause puts the breaks on women at work

WHY MENOPAUSE FRIENDLY ORGANIZATIONS DELIVER VALUE

• Securing a strategic, financial, and ethical pay-off
• Managing the risk of legal challenge

FOCAL POINTS FOR CHANGE

• Turning taboo into “Wow! Who knew!”
• The problem ain’t women!
• Empowerment lost and found
• M-POWERED: A framework for creating a menopause action plan

PART 2. FROM AWARENESS TO ACTION

PURPOSE: STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGED IN A SHARED PURPOSE

• Demonstrate strategic alignment
• Estimate the return on investment
• Engage stakeholders in your menopause policy commitments

OPENNESS: COURAGE AND OPENNESS TO TALK AND TO LEARN

• Get the conversations started
• Shine a light on menopause inequity
• Listen to women and their experiences

WILL: PERSONAL WILL AND AGENCY, IN VOICE AND CHOICE

• Encourage shared decision-making
• Allow flexible options
• Know when it’s ok to say “no”

EFFECTIVENESS: ABILITY, POTENTIAL, AND EFFECTIVENESS

• Refocus on strengths and the capacity to adapt and grow
• Reinforce positive role models
• Resolve beliefs, emotions and habits that get in the way

RELATIONSHIPS: SUPPORTIVE, TRUSTING RELATIONSHIPS AND CULTURE

• Develop menopause awareness and skills
• Reinforce a menopause friendly culture
• Build and connect the community

ENVIRONMENT: MENOPAUSE FRIENDLY PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

• Keep it cool
• Keep it calm
• Keep it discrete and convenient
• Keep it safe

DELIVERY: SUSTAINABLE AND SYSTEMIC DELIVERY

• Start with the beginning, middle and the end in mind
• Establish a menopause “golden thread”
• Keep an eye on progress

CONCLUSION

RESOURCES

FORMAT / ISBN / PUBLICATION DATE / RRP

Hardback / 9781788607322 / May 20, 2025 / £28.99

Paperback / 9781788607339 / May 20, 2025 / £18.99

Ebook / 9781788607346 / May 19, 2025 / £0.99

Paperback and eBook Bundle / £21.49

Laura Haycock

Laura Haycock is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, with over 30 years of consultancy experience across all aspects of talent management including selection and assessment, performance management, career development, employee engagement, leadership and team development, culture change, and diversity and inclusion.