New research shows many menopausal women face temperature regulation struggles in the workplace

According to the findings of a nationwide survey, a notable majority of women in the 45-65 age range claim that they’re feeling either too hot or too cold when in the workplace, making their struggles with menopause temperature regulation even more difficult.

This is according to data from UK thermal clothing specialist, Heat Holders, who when during its research for its recent ‘Menopause Wellbeing Guide’ asked its nationwide 30,000-user mailing list to share their views on what experiences they’re having with temperature regulation at work and whether they have the ability to access thermostats to help them feel more comfortable.

After segmenting the data, the results suggest nearly three-quarter (72%) of menopausal women are struggling with temperature regulation when at work. What’s more, 70% also don’t feel able to/or have the opportunity to adjust the thermostat in the workplace.

The findings are also interesting for employers from a legal and HR perspective. According to the HSE’s ‘Approved Code of Practice on the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations’, the “minimum temperature for working indoors should normally be at least 16°C or 13°C if much of the work involves rigorous physical effort”. And while there “is no maximum temperature for workplaces” heat is classed as “a hazard” and has the same legal obligations in place as any other hazard.

Heat Holders’ guide also cites various medical professionals and recognised sources, and alongside its independent data gathering, the brand spoke exclusively with several menopause charities, experts and organisations to explain more about perimenopause, menopause and the different ways it can affect women. A wider aim is for the guide to be an educational resource for family, friends, colleagues and employers on how they can best support someone experiencing symptoms – with specific focus on what can be done in the workplace.

One of the expert contributors was Deborah Garlick, the CEO and Founder at Henpicked, one of the UK’s largest and fastest growing communities for women over 40 who provide specialist advice on menopause to individuals and workplaces, who offered these comments on the survey data’s findings:

“It’s no surprise that temperature can be a tricky subject in shared workspaces — we all have different comfort levels. What feels fine to one person might be unbearable to another, especially during menopause when temperature regulation can fluctuate suddenly.”

Deborah also gave this advice around menopause temperature regulation in the workplace:

“Education plays a vital role here too. When people understand what’s happening during menopause — why temperature changes occur, how symptoms can vary, and that it’s not simply “feeling hot” — they’re more likely to respond with empathy and support rather than frustration.

“Open discussions, awareness sessions, and visible commitment from leaders all help normalise the topic and remove embarrassment.

“When workplaces are menopause friendly, there’s greater understanding and openness about these challenges. That makes it easier to have conversations about reasonable adjustments — whether that’s seating location, flexible dress codes, or simply agreeing how to manage the thermostat without awkwardness. Small changes like this can make a big difference.”

Shane Doughty, Director of Heat Holders offered these comments on the guide and its findings:

“The results from our survey were certainly eye-opening with it highlighting the more serious issue that many women going through menopause aren’t feeling comfortable temperature-wise in the workplace. Hopefully, our guide can highlight this to employers and help boost awareness of the difficulties their staff are facing.

“At the same time, we know that layering up with thermal clothing can help women who might be struggling with cold extremities, but layering down can help with managing hot flushes – but again, what we’ve learned is that this isn’t always easy when people are at work.

“However, as our expert contributors have said, communication can be the key here. Breaking down these barriers with open and honest discussions can help women to feel more comfortable to address temperature issues when they’re at work. In turn this can help foster a happier and more productive working atmosphere for everyone.”