The experience of workplace coaching for menopausal women: A descriptive phenomenological study

Abstract

The number of women in the UK workforce over the age of 50 has grown significantly in the last 30 years. As a consequence, many women are working during their menopausal years, and for some this can have a disruptive impact on their working lives. This study, the first of its kind, interviewed seven menopausal women who had received workplace coaching. Adopting a descriptive phenomenological methodology, it explored the commonalities of their experiences. Whilst the findings suggested that coaching provided an opportunity to address issues including confidence, identity and transitions, it also suggested that the menopause frequently is not explicitly discussed during coaching. This research investigates why this might be and what coaching could offer this important group of workers facing potential health changes.

Keywords

• menopause
• workplace coaching
• descriptive phenomenology
• identity
• disclosure