Menopause at work: research essentials for the career woman

Mid-life women are the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce. In this article we bring you the essence of our research into menopause at work and how workplaces are adapting.

In 2020, almost half of the paid workforce in Australia was comprised of women, with a growing number of mature-aged workers. However, menopausal women in the workforce are often overlooked, despite the value they bring to employers. In the modern age, productivity is key to an organisation’s success. Therefore, it is essential that both employers and employees address menopause at work. By doing so, organisations can ensure that they are maximising their productivity and supporting their employees’ well-being.

The challenges facing women with menopause at work

The primary challenge with menopause at work is managing symptoms, particularly around clients and colleagues.

The main challenges:

• Hot flushes – profuse sweating, over-heating, blood rush, sometimes associated with racing heartbeat. Often triggered or made worse by stress, anxiety, and changes in office temperature. Women often struggle to concentrate during important meetings and presentations.
• Sleep disturbance – struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to tiredness. Concentration and productivity at work becomes difficult. Poor sleep during menopause can drive disturbed sleep patterns that lead to greater sleep issues.
• Lack of support – menopause is often a taboo topic. Some women feel uncomfortable discussing their symptoms. For women who have opened up research studies indicate the experience has been far from positive. Being able to discuss symptoms and ask for small changes is one of the most important supports to help women adjust. This negative response results in women not being able to access the support they need to manage their symptoms effectively.

Research in the UK and US indicates that around 10% of women leave their roles because of their symptoms. Another 26% reduce their hours or refuse promotions. Clearly we need a cultural shift in the workplace.

Some workplaces have developed policies to ensure menopause at work is treated with care and respect. Moreover, the goal is to make work more welcoming for all workers, including those suffering symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

Metluma has a range of options to assist women with relief of symptoms. Find out more.

Why employers should change

• Women 45-55 are the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce.
• Women in leadership correlates to business success and profitability.
• 45% of women struggling with menopause at work resign, reduce hours, reduce responsibility or take more sick leave.
• It costs between 8 months and 2 years salary to recruit and fully train new employees.
• Menopause is something that every woman goes through
• The adjustments required are usually small and easily made.
• Respect and care cost little but give much.
• Simple changes can make organisations more productive, improve culture and keep valued employees.  

How employers can support women going through menopause

• Treating perimenopause and its symptoms as a natural life transition reduces the stigma felt by many women, which in turn relieves stress.
• Ask women what they need to make work more comfortable.
• Offer to make simple adjustments to help.
• Obtain more information about symptoms so that they can be recognised.
• Open discussions with employees.
• Be flexible with working arrangements, office layout or private spaces.
• Improve temperature and ventilation.
• Prioritise health and well-being in the workplace.
• Develop policies to ensure menopause at work is supported.
• Educate employees on menopause awareness as a part of training.

Metluma has a range of solutions for employers. Find out more.

Summary

Many women find it hard to manage the symptoms of menopause at work, often resulting in leaving work or reducing hours or responsibility.

Simple and inexpensive adjustments can be made by employers to help keep staff, while valued employees are hard and costly to replace.

Stigma and taboo restrict conversation. Conversely, talking about it is one of the best ways provide support.

Progressive organisations are addressing these challenges as they affect a key workforce demographic and productivity.

Metluma provides evidence-based health and wellbeing support for women at all stages of life. Learn how our workplace programs help women to live longer, be healthier, and optimise their health during menopause.

Enquire today.