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From April 2027, larger UK employers (those with 250+ employees) will be required to publish menopause action plans as part of new equality legislation.

Whilst this won’t be mandatory for smaller business, it is a strong signal that expectations around workplace support are changing.  Often what large employers introduce becomes the norm elsewhere.  It signals a wider shift in expectations that will impact businesses of every size.

As larger organisations are required to formalise their approach, employees will begin to expect similar standards across all workplaces irrespective of size.

Menopause is moving from an informal wellbeing topic into a structured workplace responsibility.

Why it matters

• Legal risk already exists – menopause related issues can fall under sex, age or disability discrimination.
• Retention of experienced employees – skilled employees may leave without support.
• Small teams feel the impact more – losing key people can be particularly disruptive.

What small businesses can do.

• Start with awareness – a short conversation or shared resource can help normalise the topic.
• Support your managers – give managers the confidence to respond appropriately.
• Be flexible where you can – Simple adjustments can make a significant difference to someone’s ability to stay productive and engaged.
• Putting something in writing helps show your commitment and ensures consistency.
• Listen to your team. Every workplace and individual is different, so it is worth asking what would help.

Looking Ahead

This new legislation is a clear sign of where workplace expectations are heading.

For small businesses, it’s less about compliance and more about opportunity:

• Keeping experienced, skilled employees in your team
• Building a supportive and inclusive culture
• Strengthening your reputation as a good employer

Taking small, practical steps now can make a big difference later.

Further information and support can be found:

• Refer to https://henpicked.net/lunch-and-learn/ for further information and free “lunch and learn” training sessions
• Guidance for employers from ACAS on supporting individuals during menopause, including information on menopause action plans https://www.acas.org.uk/menopause-at-work/supporting-staff-through-the-menopause
• Find useful advice, blog posts and recipes from local menopause coach Nicky Dear https://nickydearhealthcoach.com/