Episode 32: Why are we so afraid of the menopause? With Professor Jo Brewis, Open University Business School
The menopause is a normal part of the human lifecycle for approximately 50% of the population, but all too often those experiencing the menopause are left unsupported by both their employers and society more broadly. Yet this should not be case: simple steps can help to make a huge difference for those experiencing this entirely natural and normal process. Jo Brewis is Professor of People and Organisations in The Faculty of Business & Law at the Open University Business School. Her research interests fall into two broad categories. First is the intersection between the body, sexuality, gender, emotions, identity, organizing and organizations, including publications on menopause transition and women’s economic participation and methodological considerations in organization studies deploying queer theory. The second is academic practices in organization studies research, including publications on research ethics and peer review. In addition to this, Jo is the co-author of the 2017 UK government report The effects of menopause transition on women's economic participation in the UK. As an independent panel member for Menopause Friendly Accreditation amongst other activities, she works to further the menopause in the workplace agenda.