Q. A staff member is frequently moody, tired and doesn’t interact with the children, all of which she blames on going through the menopause. I am trying to be supportive and understanding, but how much should we excuse her behaviour or lighten her duties because of it?
Georgia Johnson-Palmer, nursery manager, Jack In The Box Nursery
‘The menopause is becoming less of a taboo topic. A menopause policy should outline the procedures you can follow in the event of team members coming to you with difficulties.
‘It sounds like you are really trying to understand what this staff member is experiencing, while balancing the nursery’s needs. I suggest organising a wellbeing check-in with them to talk through their feelings and unpick what aspects of the day they struggle with.
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