Using Play for Open Conversations: Breaking Menopause Taboos in the Workplace

Health psychologists from Staffordshire University have taken an innovative approach to support women experiencing menopause at work by using playful strategies. A recent study published in the journal Menopause revealed that the popular toy Playmobil can serve as a creative tool to facilitate discussions about women’s menopause experiences in professional settings.

Statistics show that over 60% of women face challenges related to menopause while at work, with nearly 900,000 women leaving their jobs due to menopausal symptoms. Menopause-related discrimination remains a significant barrier, often fueled by stigma and reluctance to discuss health issues openly.

Dr. Alison Owen, Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology, pointed out that menopause is a natural yet often taboo life event. Its symptoms, which can include hot flashes, joint pain, brain fog, and irritability, can severely impact women's work life and overall well-being. Creating supportive environments for conversations about menopause is essential for fostering understanding and empathy.

The use of Playmobil in this context is groundbreaking. Traditionally regarded as a toy for children, Playmobil has also been employed in professional and educational settings to support team-building, project management, and creative exploration.

In this pioneering research, 12 women aged between 31 and 60, all either perimenopausal or postmenopausal and working at the university, participated in workshops. They used Playmobil pro kits to craft figures representing themselves and their experiences of menopause at work. These visual and tactile activities encouraged participants to share their stories and respond to each other's experiences, leading to in-depth group discussions.

The sessions uncovered how physical symptoms like joint pain, brain fog, and irritability directly affect work performance and confidence. Many women expressed feelings of doubt about their capabilities, with some even contemplating resigning. Participants also proposed practical solutions, such as flexible working hours and fostering social support networks, emphasizing the importance of peer understanding.

Feedback from participants highlighted a sense of relief, empowerment, and camaraderie. One explained that the session made her feel “less alone,” while others described feeling “reassured” and “understood.” The workshop’s playful approach created a safe space where women could openly discuss sensitive health issues without fear of stigma.

Following the workshops, researchers collaborated with participants to enhance workplace policies, including establishing menopause cafés and appointing menopause champions to facilitate ongoing support.

Dr. Burton, Associate Professor of Qualitative Health Research, emphasized that using Playmobil created a non-threatening environment conducive to honest dialogue, transforming taboo into understanding. Dr. Taylor, Senior Lecturer in Psychological Research Methods, noted that many women found the experience healing, with some never having spoken about menopause openly before.

This innovative approach suggests that playful methods like using toys can significantly contribute to health research and workplace support strategies, especially around sensitive topics such as menopause.

For more insights, see the full study: Alison Owen et al, "Using Playmobil as a creative research tool to explore women's experiences of menopause in the workplace," Menopause, 2025.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-power-play-menopause-taboos-workplace.html