According to a recent WebMD Health Services survey of workers at major U.S. companies, nearly 90% of women going through menopause say they have faced at least one obstacle at work.
Less than half of the respondents believe their employer appropriately understands or supports their needs, although over a million women go through menopause every year and may spend up to one-third of their life in this period. According to the Menopause in the Workplace Survey, menopause is a hidden but treatable workplace problem that affects general well-being, job happiness, and career advancement.
Key challenges cited include:
- Managing physical symptoms
- Lack of workplace accommodations
- Reduced confidence or self‐esteem
- Feelings of isolation or receiving no support
- Negative impacts on career advancement
Over half of women have symptoms that might hinder attention, productivity, and team engagement, which in turn affect organizational performance. These symptoms include fatigue (51%), combat brain fog or difficulty concentrating (50%), mood swings or worry (48%), hot flashes (46%), and sleep difficulties (40%).
“Too often, menopause is a silent factor shaping women’s careers. Our research shows that 34% of women in leadership roles have considered leaving their jobs, and nearly 1 in 4 have turned down promotions because of the symptoms they’re managing,” stated Christine Muldoon, Senior Vice President of Strategy at WebMD Health Services. “These women are colleagues we admire and rising stars we’ve invested in. Supporting employees through every stage of life isn’t just about well-being—it’s about ensuring they have every opportunity to grow and thrive.”
Although 56% of women report that their company provides some kind of menopause-related resources, fewer people are aware of more extensive help. Less than 20% report coverage for hormone replacement treatment, and only 24% are aware of availability to clinicians with menopause care training, highlighting the lack of awareness regarding advantages women require.
Less than one in five people feel comfortable asking for menopause-related adjustments, even when there are benefits available. Many people are either unaware of the services offered or too ashamed to ask. According to one response, “Many women work through discomfort, because menopause is often joked about and not taken seriously.”
Menopause normalization in the workplace
Women have expressed that the first step in establishing a workplace that is menopause-friendly is having an open discussion. According to nearly half of the women polled, they kept their symptoms hidden for fear of criticism or negative effects on their careers. Employers who help women through menopause have a genuine chance to change things. “The first steps in providing that support include educating managers on how to identify and address symptoms in a stigma-free manner and integrating menopause support into larger well-being programs. We can normalize the conversation through peer-support networks and awareness campaigns, which are equally important, so that employees feel empowered, understood, and seen at every point of their journey,” Muldoon stated.
It’s crucial to incorporate menopause awareness into your health and wellness initiatives because it not only promotes women’s well-being but also increases engagement, productivity, and retention while establishing a standard for a welcoming and encouraging work environment where all staff members are given the tools they need to succeed.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
