Menopause at Work: Real Talk From Women at Oscar Mayer

October is Menopause Awareness Month

At Oscar Mayer, we believe meaningful conversations start with creating space for people to be honest about their experiences. This October, in recognition of Menopause Awareness Month, we brought together women from across the business for an open roundtable discussion about the realities of menopause at work.

Hosted by Brittany Underwood, Digital Marketing Executive, the conversation featured:

• Sarah Hill, Chief People & Corporate Affairs Officer
• Amanda Wright, Executive Procurement Director
• Nicola Benniston, Executive Technical Director
• Carine Bianca-Samou, Occupational Health Advisor
• Demi Mardyri, Head of Technical (Wrexham & Flint)

Each person brought a different stage, a different story, and a different perspective to the table, because menopause looks and feels different for everyone.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here

Opening the Conversation

Many of us grow up hearing menopause described as “the change,” something inevitable but rarely discussed openly. Yet the reality can be unpredictable, scary, and deeply personal. From hot flushes that disrupt meetings, to sleepless nights, shifts in mood, or sudden waves of anxiety, menopause can affect how someone feels, functions, and shows up at work.

During the discussion, the group shared candid reflections on their own journeys, some navigating perimenopause, others in the midst of menopause, and some still trying to understand where they are in the process. What quickly became clear is how common it is to feel confused or isolated at first.

As Sarah noted, simply realising that others are going through the same thing can be incredibly reassuring.

Symptoms, Surprises, and “Reverse Puberty”

The panel spoke openly about the physical, mental, and emotional symptoms they’ve experienced. These included:

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Brain fog and memory lapses
• Changes in mood and energy
• Sleep disruption
• Weight redistribution and body image challenges
• Anxiety or sudden feelings of overwhelm

One description that resonated across the table was the idea of menopause feeling like “reverse puberty”, a period of transition where your body shifts in ways you don’t always expect or understand.

The discussion also touched on the practical realities: keeping cool during high-pressure meetings, losing your train of thought mid-sentence, or simply having days when you don’t quite feel like yourself. These are experiences many women share but rarely articulate openly.

HRT, Treatment, and Finding What Works

Another key theme was the wide range of experiences with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and alternatives. Some found HRT transformative, helping them feel more like their old selves. Others experienced side effects or chose different routes altogether.

The group emphasised an important takeaway: there is no one-size-fits-all approach to menopause. Everybody reacts differently, and every woman has to find the path that works for her, with proper medical guidance.

Why Workplace Support Matters

Because menopause isn’t just a personal experience… it is a workplace one too.

The panel discussed the impact of menopause on their working lives and the importance of having supportive colleagues and leaders. A simple acknowledgement, a moment of understanding, or an environment where someone feels comfortable saying, “I’m having a tough day,” can make a meaningful difference.

For many, work itself provides stability, structure, and motivation, but only if the environment is empathetic.

At Oscar Mayer, conversations like this help us continue building a workplace where people feel heard, respected, and supported through all stages of life.

Opening the Door, Not Forcing It

A recurring message throughout the discussion was that support doesn’t mean asking people to share more than they want to. It means creating a culture where those who do want to speak feel safe doing so.

As Demi shared, “Sometimes the best support is simply opening the door to the conversation.”

This roundtable was exactly that: an open door. A chance to listen, validate, and learn from one another.

Listen to the Full Episode

For anyone experiencing menopause themselves, supporting someone who is, or simply wanting to understand the topic better, this conversation is a valuable insight into what menopause at work really looks like.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here