Despite employer confidence in workplace provision, women say lack of support is forcing them to cut hours, turn down promotions, or quit entirely – but there are solutions to prevent this.
New research has revealed the devastating toll menopause is taking on women’s careers – with almost a third (28%) saying they are considering leaving their job because of symptoms, and 7% already having quit. However, the national healthcare provider stresses that this trend can be reversed if employers act, including tailored policies, openly communicating support and ensuring access to appropriate health services.
The survey of 2,000 UK working women (aged 40-65) commissioned by not-for-profit healthcare provider, Benenden Health, found just less than half (47%) have had to change the way they work to cope, including reducing hours (18%), cutting responsibilities (12%), or turning down promotions and training opportunities (6%). Many are also struggling to perform day-to-day tasks: almost one in three (31%) say their productivity has reduced, three in ten (30%) need more breaks, and on average women are losing 5.5 working days a year to menopause-related illness alone.
The most common symptoms causing disruption at work are brain fog and memory issues (46%), hot flushes (46%) and fatigue (43%), with many also citing anxiety, mood changes and joint pain.
Combined, these symptoms are not only impacting performance and confidence but are also holding women back from career progression during this stage of life. Increasingly women are searching for support – Benenden Health data shows that out of all the 1:1 coaching appointments available via their app, menopause is second only to mental health, with more than one in four of those members accessing this support service.
While some women are struggling in the workplace, employers appear confident they are providing support in this area. A parallel survey of 500 HR decision makers shows that 92% believe their organisations are meeting the needs of staff going through menopause, and nearly three-quarters (72%) say they already have a formal policy or initiative in place. Yet the reality for women tells a different story: 40% say they are unaware of any policies in their workplace, only a third (33%) of organisations provide menopause training for managers, and fewer than half offer practical measures such as paid leave (41%) or workplace adjustments (45%).
The stigma surrounding menopause remains another big barrier:
- 63% of women say it is still awkward to discuss at work
- Just 45% feel comfortable raising symptoms with their manager
- Common fears include being judged (17%), not understood (16%), or that they will be treated differently (12%)
Dr Cheryl Lythgoe, Nurse Consultant at Benenden Health, said,
“Menopause affects women differently and can bring a wide range of physical, mental and emotional symptoms that are hard to manage while working. Yet many still feel uncomfortable discussing it in the workplace, meaning essential support is often missed.
Menopause support is expected to feature in the upcoming Employment Rights Bill, in the rollout of the ‘Menopause Action Plans’ for businesses with more than 200 employees.
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