Why so serious? The use of menopause humour in UK workplaces

Purpose This paper addresses the issue of humour and jokes about menopause in UK workplaces and considers the power relationships that are involved in humorous interactions. Design/methodology/approach In interviews and a survey, humour and jokes emerged as frequently voiced issues that many individuals experiencing menopause transition face and/or utilise to overcome the taboo that surrounds menopause in the workplace. Findings The paper considers what impact humour has depending on who uses it and what form it takes. The main argument is that the function of jokes is bound up in workplace power relationships, which produce possibilities, barriers and limitations. Humour can be used to start addressing taboos, but these will not be overcome as long as menopause remains a joking matter. Originality/value Menopause humour is rarely discussed. This paper demonstrates the prevalence of such humour in workplaces and the mainly negative implications for individuals and organisations.