Women’s health at work – how Apotek Hjärtat works with menopause

From menopause to women’s health at work

Apotek Hjärtat, one of Sweden’s largest pharmacy chains, started its work with a focus on menopause. It shows how a specific topic can become part of broader work on health and the work environment. It isn’t about managers becoming experts in hormonal or medical issues, but about basic understanding and a work environment where needs can be discussed.

Knowledge as part of the change

Apotek Hjärtat invested in training and knowledge about menopause, involving leadership, communications and managers at different levels.

Leadership makes room for the conversation

Menopause can be a hard topic to raise at work. The manager shouldn’t diagnose or solve medical questions – but can create the space for a conversation and practical adjustments. Many employees work in pharmacies and meet customers most of the day, and understanding within the team makes it easier to find practical solutions when conditions temporarily need adapting.

Integrate it into work environment management

A clear lesson is that menopause doesn’t need to be a separate project. For organisations that already do systematic work environment management, women’s health is part of understanding and improving employees’ working conditions. Psychological safety makes it easier to ask for support – and to catch other needs too.

Start with leadership – and build for the long term

Per Bergman’s advice: start with the leadership team, then give the work time and integrate it into everyday work.

Key takeaways

• Start with knowledge and a shared basic understanding of women’s health and menopause.
• Anchor the issue in leadership so it becomes part of the organisation’s direction, not an isolated HR topic.
• Integrate it into existing work environment management.
• Psychological safety makes it possible to ask for support.