For many years women’s health has been a taboo topic particularly within the workplace.
However in recent years there has been a positive shift in workplace research, attitudes and women’s health adjustments.
It’s time to build the support your people need for a better menopause journey
2025 theme
This year, we’re not just talking about menopause, we’re acting for those going through it (hint: that’s everyone).
What The Fog 2025 is designed to give leaders, HR professionals, and wellbeing champions the tools and confidence to make real change in their organisations. With new workshops, a strategic roundtable and an expanded Menopause Fair, this year’s event is about building menopause-inclusive workplaces from the ground up.
You’ll hear from those already leading the way — and leave with practical steps to bring menopause support into
your culture, your policies, and your leadership approach.
What kind of support is appropriate and scalable in a professional environment?
How do we build menopause into our broader DEI and wellbeing strategy?
How do we train managers to support their team without overstepping?
How do I convince senior leaders or budget holders this matters?
Are there proven models or examples from other companies like ours?
2025 Programme
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Start your day with a coffee
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Introduction by our master of ceremonies, Eileen O’Connell and welcome note by Lisa Tarquini, Founder of the Menopause Space
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By Yuman Chan, General Manager Bupa Hong Kong
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with Melissa Gecolea, Sharon Lamport, and Jolene Verwey.
Moderated by Dr. Sharmeen Shroff.This inspiring session features female leaders sharing their lived experiences of navigating menopause in the workplace. Through personal stories, they will highlight the challenges, misconceptions, and strategies they've used to manage symptoms and maintain their professional roles.
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Take a moment to enjoy the space, the community and the F&B!
11:35 BREAKOUT WORKSHOP, SESSION 1
Let's put our awareness into practice. In these breakout sessions thorughout the day, you'll learn practical steps in support of menopause.
Select one session to attend.
*Virtual attendees will not have a choice
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Led by Lisa Tarquini, Founder of The Menopause Space
Learn how to create a supportive environment, understand the common challenges faced by menopausal women, and promote inclusivity and wellbeing. This interactive session will empower you to promote understanding and support for women navigating menopause at work.
Workshop Objectives:
Understand the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of menopause and their implications in the workplace.
Recognise the importance of menopause awareness in an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Identify low-hanging fruit and practical strategies to support menopausal employees and promote wellbeing at work.
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Led by Dr. Aurélie Comes, Clinical Psychologist & CBT Therapist at Central Minds.
Find out how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help to manage the mental and emotional challenges associated with menopause for yourself or to support others. It can be applied to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings and sleep disturbances throughout the menopause transition.
Key Learning Objectives:
Identify the mental health challenges commonly experienced during menopause and how CBT can address them.
Learn core CBT techniques to manage symptoms such as anxiety, mood fluctuations, and sleep difficulties.
Incorporate CBT approaches into personal self-care routines or support others experiencing menopause.
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Speaker Chan Chun Wai, Martin, Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Director at Quality HealthCare
Join Martin Chan for an insightful workshop on women’s health through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
TCM Understanding of Women’s Physiology（中醫看婦女生理特點）
Etiology & Pathogenesis of Menopause in TCM（更年期的病因病機)
Treatment based on Pattern Identification in TCM（辨證論治）
Daily Health Cultivation Methods for Menopausal Support（中醫養生調護）
Discover practical approaches and holistic strategies to support women’s wellbeing at every stage.
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Enjoy lunch with our menopause community
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Guest Speaker Dr. Winson Goh, Family Medicine at OT&P
Andropause, often referred to as male menopause, is a gradual decline in testosterone levels that occurs in aging men. This hormonal change can lead to symptoms such as decreased energy, reduced libido, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue.
Unlike menopause in women, andropause develops slowly over time and varies from person to person. It is a normal part of aging but can impact a man's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being if not managed properly.
This presentation explores the physiological and psychological changes men experience during andropause, highlighting three key areas:
Hormonal Changes and Energy Levels: Declining testosterone can lead to fatigue and decreased motivation, affecting productivity and engagement in the workplace.
Mood and Mental Well-being: Increased risk of mood swings, irritability, and depression may impact communication, teamwork, and overall workplace harmony.
Cognitive Function and Focus: Memory lapses and reduced concentration can hinder decision-making and performance on complex tasks.
By understanding these areas, employers and employees can foster supportive environments that promote well-being and sustained performance during this life stage.
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With Sian Hooper, Co-Head of HR, APAC at Bloomberg L.P and Karl Woon, Executive Director, Human Capital Management Division Goldman Sachs.
Moderated by Melissa Gecolea, Anchor/Host, Senior Supervising Producer at TVB Pearl (Television Broadcasts Ltd)Explore the balance between supporting individual wellbeing and meeting organisational objectives. We'll discover practical strategies and case studies to create a compassionate workplace culture that improves productivity towards business priorities.
Topics to Discuss:
Recognising menopause as a key aspect of employee wellbeing.
Integrate support for menopausal employees into organisational policies without compromising business goals.
Build open dialogues and promote a supportive workplace culture that encourages engagement.
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with Emma Bennett.
Moderated by Cruzanne Macalligan.This engaging panel discussion brings together senior leaders to explore the real-world complexities of menopause in the workplace. Through discussion on how they are supporting menopause in the workplace, panelists will shed light on the challenges they have faced, workplace stigma, the need for accommodations and the wins they have achieved so far.
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Led by Lisa Tarquini, Founder of The Menopause Space
Get guidance on developing a comprehensive menopause policy. Identify key elements of an inclusive policy, ensure legal and ethical compliance, all while promoting a supportive environment for menopausal employees.
By the end of the session, you will be equipped to implement policies for understanding, flexibility, and wellbeing at work.
Workshop Objectives:
Build out key components of an effective menopause policy tailored to workplace needs.
Develop inclusive policies that support while aligning with legal and ethical standards.
Implement and communicate the policy to maximise buy-in.
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With Dr. Winson Goh, Family Medicine at OT&P
Andropause, often referred to as male menopause, is a gradual decline in testosterone levels that occurs in aging men. This hormonal change can lead to symptoms such as decreased energy, reduced libido, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue.
Unlike menopause in women, andropause develops slowly over time and varies from person to person. It is a normal part of aging but can impact a man's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being if not managed properly.
This presentation explores the physiological and psychological changes men experience during andropause, highlighting three key areas:
Hormonal Changes and Energy Levels: Declining testosterone can lead to fatigue and decreased motivation, affecting productivity and engagement in the workplace.
Mood and Mental Well-being: Increased risk of mood swings, irritability, and depression may impact communication, teamwork, and overall workplace harmony.
Cognitive Function and Focus: Memory lapses and reduced concentration can hinder decision-making and performance on complex tasks.
By understanding these areas, employers and employees can foster supportive environments that promote well-being and sustained performance during this life stage.
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Speaker Dr. Cheung Mei Ling
To empower professional women with the knowledge and confidence to proactively manage their menopause symptoms, understand the benefits of a new non-hormonal treatment option, and facilitate informed discussions with their healthcare providers.
Workshop Objectives:
Recognise the significant impact of menopause symptoms, particularly hot flushes (vasomotor symptoms), on professional life and overall well-being.
Understand in simple terms what causes hot flushes and how Veoza (fezolinetant) works differently from hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Identify the potential benefits of Veoza in reducing symptom frequency and severity, leading to better sleep and improved daytime function.
Feel confident in discussing their symptoms and treatment options, including Veoza, with their doctor.
14:05 BREAKOUT WORKSHOP, SESSION 1I
Select one session to attend.
*Virtual attendees will not have a choice
14:40 Explore and Learn
Talk to our many partners in Hong Kong at our menopause fair or participate in an invite-only closed door roundtable.
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A first for What The Fog*! Interact and learn how to support your organisation with different services and providers of menopause services.
* Joint Dynamics Evolve
* FemTech Future
* B-Fit The Wright way
* Central Minds
* Luuna
* Bupa -
A confidential and candid discussion about the challenges and needs related to menopause at work. The aim is to generate actionable strategies to support menopause and andropause at work whilst maintaining a respectful and productive working environment
15:30 BREAKOUT WORKSHOP, SESSION 1II
Select one session to attend.
*Virtual attendees will not have a choice
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Led by Lisa Tarquini, Founder of The Menopause Space
This workshop introduces participants to the Menovest experience to fostering menopause allyship in the workplace. Attendees will experience hot flushes by wearing the MenoVest, learn how to become effective allies, understand the importance of supportive conversations, and implement inclusive practices that benefit all employees.
Through the experience of a menopause symptom that can adversely impact a woman’s work performance, senior leaders can create a more compassionate and equitable work environment for menopausal women.
Workshop Objectives:
Understand the concept of menopause allyship and its significance in promoting an inclusive workplace.
See how the MenoVest can promote empathy and awareness
Integrate menopause awareness and allyship into workplace culture and policies.
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Led by Dr. Christine E. Bruckner, Director at M Moser
Learn about key considerations and adjustments, ranging from temperature control and privacy to ergonomic adjustments, and access to wellness resources.
Provide a comfortable, inclusive environment that enhances productivity and wellbeing for anyone experiencing menopause.
Workshop Objectives:
Find practical, physical workspace modifications that can improve comfort.
Incorporate wellness and support resources into the work environment.
Develop a plan to assess and enhance workspace design
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Led by Elaine Champion, Co-founder of The Watch Her Lead Academy
Discussing any health issue is tough, let alone talking about something as unknown and vulnerable as menopause...with a manager! You'll learn tried and tested communication strategies and gain confidence to discuss needs and challenges openly.
By the end of the session, you will be better equipped to advocate for yourself and gain understanding from those around you.
Workshop Objectives
Open communication about menopause in the workplace.
Prepare for and initiate a conversation about menopause-related needs.
Articulate your experiences and requesting appropriate support or accommodations.
16:00 Final remarks, followed by drinks & networking
17:30 Event ends
See you Friday, October 17th at
Ernst & Young at Taikoo PLace!
Address:
27/ F, One Taikoo Place, 979 King's Rd, Quarry Bay
香港鰂魚湧英皇道979號太古坊一座27樓We’re reclaiming blue!