Paramedics in UK given leave and accommodations for “male menopause”

2023-10-03 13:50:09

One year of paid vacation to face a “male menopause”, or andropause, that seems unreal. And yet. In the UK, managers at the East Midlands Ambulance Service have been asked to consider men with symptoms of andropause, including providing additional uniformsand in arranging their working hours.

The British press echoed this somewhat unexpected measure, which had gone unnoticed.

In written guidance (Source 1), the health service’s employment body, NHS Employers, details the signs and symptoms of andropause, and says paramedics should not feel embarrassed by this physiological drop in testosterone levels. Among the symptoms listed in the document are reduced libido, anxiety, depression, weight gain, hot flashes, “lack of enthusiasm”, irritability, mood swings, problems sleeping or even concentrating.

Fans, radiators and other tips

In detail, the NHS document (equivalent to our Social Security) includes three key measures to help men in the midst of andropause to better cope with their symptoms:

Additional uniforms, in natural fibers if possible, against hot flashes and perspiration;
A work flexibility : “Work schedules and start and finish times may be adjusted temporarily to allow staff to work productively. Flexibility should be given to staff needing to attend medical appointments associated with andropause symptoms and also for men seeking advice regarding andropause” ;
And comfortable working environmentwhich may include a temperature-controlled workplace, access to drinking water, the possibility of opening a door or window, or the presence of fans or additional heaters, so that the individual can “personally control the temperature around it”.

As for furloughs, Tina Richardson, assistant director of human resources at the East Midlands Ambulance Service, confirmed their existence to Telegraph (Source 2) : “We grant occupational illness compensation for up to 12 months depending on seniority. This will help manage absences that may result from symptoms of andropause or require time off for medical appointments.”.

Note that, still according to Telegrapha senior source from the national NHS recalled that andropause was not clinically recognized, and that there was no no national guidelines on how employers can or should support affected men.

To our knowledge, no comparable device has not been established in France, whether in the private or public sector. In France, it is above all the question of menstrual leavefor people with endometriosis and very painful periodswhich is regularly discussed.