Women and the working environment We don't design workplaces that are supportive of women who are going through the menopause. More and more I see workplaces that are shifting to an open working environment, which forces women who may be experiencing memory loss, brain fog, low self - esteem, heightened anxiety and hot flushes, to do so out in the open. Without layered workplaces, there is no quiet spaces for women to retreat to, where they can have autonomy over their environment. Given that almost 50% of the global workforce are women, organisations need to shift to a proactive and supportive approach to menopause. This begins with a menopause policy that is more than just a piece of paper. Menopause friendly leave, toilets that are fully contained and not cubicle dividers, uniforms that work with the physiological changes a woman's body goes through, and layered workspaces are just some of the practical, supportive ways organisations can help support and retain women experiencing menopause.