A recent report highlights critical challenges faced by menopausal women in the workplace.
- The report, based on a survey of 1,000 women, details the lack of support faced by employees experiencing menopause.
- Over 15% of women have contemplated leaving work due to menopausal symptoms, particularly in high-stress sectors such as technology and healthcare.
- A significant 70% of women report feeling unsupported during menopause, pointing to a gap in workplace policies and resources.
- The findings stress the urgent need for businesses to implement menopause-friendly policies to create more inclusive environments.
The report, titled “Menopause in the Workplace: Breaking the Silence,” uncovers significant challenges faced by menopausal women in their professional lives. The survey included responses from 1,000 women, revealing that a striking 15% have considered quitting their jobs due to the debilitating symptoms of menopause. This concern is notably higher in high-pressure sectors like technology and healthcare.
A staggering 70% of surveyed women feel unsupported by their employers as they navigate menopausal changes, highlighting a critical gap in both awareness and workplace support mechanisms. This lack of support can adversely affect women’s productivity and well-being at work, demanding immediate attention from employers.
Among the key findings, more than half of the respondents (53%) indicated that menopause impacts their daily working lives, with this number increasing to 70% among women aged 45 to 54. These statistics underscore the pressing need for employers to recognise and address menopause as a significant workplace issue.
Moreover, 69% of both working and retired women expressed a desire for better education and awareness about menopause prior to experiencing it. This indicates a broader societal need for educational initiatives surrounding menopause to improve workplace conditions and employee understanding.
Despite some public discourse led by advocates like Davina McCall, formal policies within workplaces remain lacking. There is hope, however, with potential legislation proposed by the Labour Party for a menopause action plan targeting larger companies. However, smaller businesses still face unclear guidance, indicating a universal need for structured support.
Co-founders of the HR consultancy, hoomph, Sarah Stevens and Lisa Hallewell, urge businesses to act: “At hoomph, we are passionate about supporting wellbeing initiatives, and our report sheds light on a critical gap in workplace support for menopausal women. As businesswomen working in HR and experiencing menopause ourselves, we have seen firsthand the lack of awareness and support available.” Their call to action is supported by data that suggests a significant gap in the support structure for menopausal employees in the workplace.
The report urges immediate and decisive action from businesses to bridge the gap in support for menopausal women, fostering a workplace culture of inclusivity and awareness.
