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

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.

Research was carried out with 12 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.

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.

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 menopause.