one: Mrs Galeazzi, the menopause is different for every woman. Some have severe symptoms, while others have none at all. How do women actually know that their symptoms are due to the menopause?
Katharina Galeazzi Katharina Galeazzi : Basically, there is no causal link that certain symptoms are necessarily associated with the menopause. But the majority of women do have mild to severe symptoms. So if the age is reasonably suitable and there is no illness, women should think in terms of the menopause. The important thing is how well informed a woman is: the more I know about this phase myself, the easier it is for me to categorise my symptoms. Women are on the safe side if they visit a doctor. Fortunately, the subject is increasingly being taken out of the taboo zone.

one: Just as an example: insomnia at night certainly affects performance during the day. How do affected women communicate the issue to their superiors?
Katharina Galeazzi : Even if the first step is not easy: women should talk openly about how they are feeling and not be afraid to show weakness. On the contrary: being able to say: "I'm not feeling well right now" shows strength, self-reflection and self-care.

As a senior manager, it is my responsibility to empower affected women instead of holding them back. If I, as a manager, notice that an employee is not doing well, that her performance is perhaps becoming less consistent and that she is not seeking dialogue on her own initiative, then I should approach her. A good manager is aware of changes and always creates a working atmosphere that signals to employees: We can talk about your concerns. Whether it's sick small children, relatives in need of care or the menopause.

one: What can senior managers and women do? How can solutions be found?
Katharina Galeazzi : The best way is to work together. It is important to realise that the responsibility lies on both sides: key words are self-care and responsibility as senior managers. Senior managers cannot expect an employee to "function" just as well as always during this challenging phase of life. A sure instinct is just as important as solution-orientated thinking - with the entire team in mind. Perhaps remote work, part-time work or a shift in working hours to the afternoon are conceivable, for example if the morning hours are difficult for the employee due to a lack of sleep at night.

On the other hand, women also have a responsibility to take care of themselves and prevent illness: what can I do myself to feel better? Many seek medical support. But above all, a balanced lifestyle can help: Exercise, a healthy diet, a good sleep routine, balancing stress..

As an employer, REWE Group is also involved in a variety of ways and offers employees qualified contact points; support can also be found here.

one: How can women keep an optimistic view of the changes that menopause brings?
Katharina Galeazzi : The menopause does have its positive aspects. The prerequisite is that I accept the change - it can't be changed anyway. Humour and serenity also help. And not to forget: Many women gain more freedom when the fertile years are over and the children are out of the house. They focus more on themselves again. It is certainly also helpful to look at the menopause in this way: It marks the beginning of the second half of life and we still have forty years ahead of us. And on average, we still have 15 years to go in our careers - these are reasons to celebrate, even for senior managers...

Katharina Galeazzi has been a trainer and consultant for occupational health management, specialising in management training, at Motio GmbH for around 30 years.