Murray Uniforms pioneers menopause-friendly workwear
Murray Uniforms, a leading designer and manufacturer of corporate workwear, is taking significant steps to support employees going through menopause with their innovative uniform designs. Recognising the unique challenges faced by menopausal women, the company has collaborated with menopause expert Sarah Wilshire to develop uniforms that address these specific needs.
Andy Bass, Business Development Director at Murray Uniforms, explained the initiative: “Menopause is a significant phase in many women’s lives, and it can bring about various challenges, particularly in the workplace. We recognise the importance of creating uniforms that are not only functional and stylish but also supportive of employees’ health and well-being during this period.”
Collaboration and research
The collaboration resulted in a comprehensive white paper on uniforms and menopause, highlighting the requirements and challenges faced by menopausal women, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and increased sensitivity to temperature changes. Based on these insights, Murray Uniforms developed garments using breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that help regulate body temperature and keep the wearer comfortable throughout the day. These materials draw moisture away from the skin, allowing it to evaporate quickly, which is crucial for managing hot flashes and preventing discomfort.
Thoughtful design elements
In addition to innovative fabrics, the design and fit of the uniforms have been carefully considered. Adjustable features and layering options allow employees to easily add or remove layers as needed to maintain their comfort. For instance, lightweight jackets or cardigans that can be worn over breathable tops provide flexibility for temperature control.
“Our uniforms are designed to be loose-fitting and non-restrictive, avoiding tightness that could exacerbate discomfort during hot flashes. We also use soft, non-irritating fabrics to prevent any additional irritation to sensitive skin,” Bass added.
Inclusivity and comfort
Murray Uniforms ensures that their uniform designs are inclusive and considerate of all body shapes and sizes, providing a wide range of options to suit diverse needs. This approach aims to create a supportive and inclusive work environment where all employees, including those experiencing menopause, can feel comfortable and confident.
Impact on employee well-being
Incorporating these thoughtful design elements into their uniforms not only enhances the daily experience of wearers but also demonstrates Murray Uniforms’ commitment to employee well-being and productivity. This initiative aligns with the company’s broader goal of creating high-quality, functional, and inclusive uniforms that support the diverse needs of the modern workforce.
Independent study findings
An independent study titled “The Menopause at Work – How Uniform Impacts the Symptoms of Menopause in the Workplace” was carried out with women from several companies experiencing menopause symptoms at work.
The study reviewed the suitability of the company-issued uniforms for their roles and assessed whether these uniforms negatively impacted their symptoms. The women’s job roles varied, and their work environments ranged from office-based to field-based, shop floor, and customer-facing roles, such as police and public transport. Access the whitepaper here.
The study found that despite the variety of roles, the results were very similar.
- Most of those interviewed said they experienced moderate to extreme low mood and lack of confidence at work due to their menopause symptoms.
- More than 75% said hot flashes significantly impacted their attitude and mindset. The hot flashes were frequent, unpredictable, unavoidable, and evident to others, causing extreme embarrassment and anxiety.
- Many women reported that their uniforms exacerbated symptoms, complaining that the fabrics used were heavy for durability but lacked stretch and flexibility.
Recommendations
Most women said their uniform was too restrictive when managing hot flashes, and removing outerwear altogether did not always offer sufficient protection for their role. Police officers and Trainline Customer Service Managers found this a barrier to effectively managing their hot flashes, as uniform regulations required them to always wear full uniforms to be visible and identifiable.
All women interviewed expressed a desire for uniforms with lightweight layers that could be easily removed or added to accommodate fluctuating temperatures. Although many requested looser fitting T-shirts, polos, and shirts, the majority still wanted their uniform to be flattering and not shapeless, as they feared this would further impact their self-esteem. They also wanted the uniform to look the same as their colleagues’ but with added features to provide ventilation, keep them cool and dry, and offer freedom and ease of movement.
Expert insights on inclusive design
Sarah Wilshire, who conducted the study, emphasized the importance of inclusive design: “These considerations benefit all workforce demographics. By incorporating simple changes in the standard uniform, employers can resolve more than one problem, making uniforms more livable for all employees. This means employers could make one standard uniform, inclusive for all, rather than exclusive ranges that are expensive, inefficient to produce, and difficult to stock control.”
Ignoring requests for reasonable adjustments to make uniforms more menopause-friendly could lead to serious consequences, including potential claims of indirect discrimination and higher costs associated with employee absence and loss of earnings.
Setting a new standard
By pioneering menopause-friendly workwear, Murray Uniforms is setting a new standard in corporate clothing, ensuring that all employees can perform their best, regardless of the challenges they may face. This initiative not only supports employee well-being but also strengthens the company’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.
