Driving menopause awareness, acceptance and action: Deborah Garlick

Imagine feeling so passionately about a cause that you dedicate over a decade of your life to it. Raising awareness about it, calling for acceptance for women experiencing it and driving real action in workplaces nationwide.

Well, that’s exactly what Deborah Garlick – Founder and CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace and E.ON’s former Head of Internal Communications and Colleague Engagement – has done for menopause and menstruation – taking a once-taboo topic and transforming it into something that is openly discussed in workplaces up and down the country.

In 2017, E.ON became the UK’s first menopause-friendly energy company and we’re proud that last year we were awarded the prestigious Menopause Friendly Accreditation, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to workplace inclusivity.

We spoke to Deborah about how she and her team are providing menopause training and support for employers across the country, enabling workplaces to be more inclusive and supportive environments for the benefit of their colleagues.

Can you tell us about Henpicked – how was it formed and how has it evolved?
Henpicked recently celebrated its 11^th anniversary. It was created to support women “who weren’t born yesterday”, focusing on happiness, health and wealth. The aim was to make life a little easier by sharing wisdom within the community. We aren't all the same but with shared wisdom in the community, my dream was that we could help each other.

Menopause has always been a recurring theme, with so many women facing struggles and difficulties. Over the past eight years, it became my primary focus. I wrote the book Menopause: The Change for the Better and began talking to employers to raise awareness about how menopause impacts their people and their organisation. Supporting menopause isn’t just the right thing to do for individuals, it’s a win-win for organisations too. 

Trailblazing employers like E.ON, one of the first in the UK to publish a menopause policy, have achieved remarkable milestones. They’ve broken stigmas and provided support to colleagues, proving that employers have played a pivotal role in making the UK a global leader in menopause awareness. 

What has led you to pursue a career focusing on menopause awareness and action? 
Menopause became an area that truly fascinated me because, at first, I thought it was just me who wasn’t coping well. I couldn’t understand why something so universal was shrouded in mystery and stigma. It felt like a taboo no one wanted to talk about, yet it affected so many aspects of life, from health to relationships and work.

The more I learned, the more determined I became. It seemed unacceptable that people were left to struggle in silence, often unsupported and unaware of what was happening to their bodies. My first thought every morning and my last thought at night became: What can I do to change this picture? That drive hasn’t left me since. I realised I could play a part in shifting the narrative, breaking down stigma and ensuring menopause is no longer a misunderstood or hidden part of life.

What surprises you most about how menopause is perceived – in society and in the workplace?
What surprises me most is that it’s taken this long to bring menopause into the spotlight. Menopause has always been part of life, yet we’ve only recently started addressing it openly. The UK’s demographic shift towards an ageing population has been evident for decades, and with more people working through and beyond menopause, the conversation is long overdue. 

Can you tell us about your own experiences of menopause and any learnings you can pass on to others?

Knowledge is power. My menopause journey began at 45, but it took a year of undiagnosed symptoms before I sought private treatment and found relief. Like many, I didn’t even know about perimenopause or recognise the signs. 

My biggest lesson is the importance of understanding menopause, not just for those experiencing it but for everyone. Menopause touches all of us, whether directly or through our relationships with family, friends or colleagues. 

Can you describe your experiences of working with E.ON regarding the menopause? Have there been any standout moments?
Working with E.ON was an absolute pleasure. When I organised the world’s first Menopause in the Workplace conference, I instinctively knew E.ON would be interested in getting involved. They’ve always been a people-focused organisation, and their commitment to supporting colleagues was evident. True to form, they were one of the first to register, and they even encouraged others to join in.

Their menopause policy, launched in 2017, was one of the first in the UK and set a benchmark for others to follow. It’s been incredible to see how they’ve continued to lead the way, not just by creating a policy but by embedding real, meaningful support for colleagues into their workplace culture. Achieving Menopause Friendly Accreditation was a natural next step for them and is truly well-deserved.

What are the most enjoyable parts of your role?

It’s the feedback that makes it all worthwhile. Hearing comments like, “This has changed my life,” or “It’s helped me feel normal again,” keeps me motivated. Seeing the difference we’re making to people’s lives reminds me why we do this every day. 

What do you find the most challenging about your role?

My team would say that I tend to focus on the “to-dos” rather than celebrating the “ta-dahs”. While we’ve made incredible progress in the UK, there’s still so much to do. A policy is only a small part, it’s how organisations bring it to life that truly matters. My biggest challenge is ensuring we keep the momentum going until every employer is menopause-friendly, stigma-free and fully supportive. 

If you had to describe how you feel about what you and Henpicked have achieved today in three words, what would they be?
Inspired. Determined. Grateful.

If you had just one piece of advice for women experiencing the menopause, what would it be?

Learn about menopause. It doesn’t have to disrupt your life or career. Start the conversation, educate yourself and help us change the narrative for good. 

Anything else you’d like to add?

Menopause isn’t just a women’s issue, it’s a life skill everyone should understand. What we’re doing today will benefit not just this generation but many to come.

Let’s keep the momentum going and accelerate!