Using Playmobil as a creative research tool to explore women’s experiences of menopause in the workplace

Objective: The present work was designed to explore women’s experiences of going through the menopause while working, using Playmobil as a tool for eliciting discussion. A growing body of evidence shows the value of using playful approaches in research, however very little research has explored the use of Playmobil as a research method.

Methods: Research was carried out with twelve co-researchers (aged 31-60) working at a UK university, who were perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Women attended a workshop and were encouraged to discuss and reflect on their experience of menopause in the workplace using playmobil to facilitate group discussion. The session was audio-recorded.

Results: Three themes were developed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis regarding menopause experiences in the workplace: 1) Menopause symptoms fundamentally changing experiences of work; 2) Symptoms leading to doubts about the ability to work effectively; and 3) Ideas for moving forward and improving experiences of menopause in the workplace.

Conclusions: Playmobil was a useful method for stimulating discussion. Physical and psychological symptoms of the menopause can have a substantial impact on a person's working life. Workplace settings need to ensure sufficient support is available for employees who are experiencing the menopause.