Menopause is a natural biological process that affects every woman, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. While it's often discussed in terms of personal health and well-being, its impact on women's professional lives is frequently overlooked. Recent studies and reports have shed light on a concerning trend: menopause can significantly disrupt and even halt women's careers at a time when they are often at the peak of their professional journey.
"Many women in their late 40s and 50s are at the top of their game, with years of experience behind them," says Lynette Tay, a gynecologist at Singapore General Hospital. "It would be such a waste for their careers to be derailed by menopausal symptoms."
The Workplace Challenges of Menopause
Menopausal symptoms can create serious obstacles for women in the workplace. A study by Carrot Fertility found that 80% of respondents, regardless of their professional sector or industry, reported managing menopause symptoms as a challenge at work. These symptoms can include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Memory issues
- Mood changes
- Increased anxiety
The impact of these symptoms on work performance can be significant. According to a study published in the journal Occupational Medicine, the most common menopausal symptoms affecting employees more than 50% of the time while at work were fatigue (54%), difficulty sleeping (47%), poor concentration (44%), and poor memory (40%)2.
Career Progression and Menopause
The effects of menopause on women's careers can be far-reaching. A survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that over a quarter of women (27%) aged 40-60 in the UK who have experienced menopause symptoms say that menopause has had a negative impact on their career progression3.
This impact is even more pronounced for women in senior leadership positions. The Korn Ferry Institute's study revealed that 19% of respondents missed a week or more of work in a given month due to perimenopause or menopause symptoms. Even more alarmingly, 13% of women surveyed had quit their jobs due to menopause, with another 15% considering it5.
"This illuminates a really big issue for women, who may likely be at the most productive point of their career, needing to take time off due to peri/menopause, which in turn may interrupt their progression to the C-suite," explains Evelyn Orr, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Korn Ferry Institute.
The Economic Impact
The failure to support menopausal employees has broader economic implications. In the UK alone, an estimated 14 million working days are lost each year due to menopause and perimenopause. The cost of replacing a woman who stops working as a result of difficult menopausal symptoms can exceed £30,000, according to research by Oxford Economics.
Stigma and Silence
Despite the prevalence of menopause-related workplace challenges, many women feel uncomfortable discussing their experiences or seeking support. The Carrot Fertility survey found that 72% of respondents felt uncomfortable or self-conscious after experiencing a menopause symptom in the workplace.
This discomfort extends to seeking help, with 54% of women surveyed feeling uncomfortable asking their employer for workplace benefits or support to address menopause challenges. The reasons for this reluctance include:
- Fear of being perceived as unable to manage job responsibilities
- General stigma surrounding menopause
- Uncertainty about who to ask or how to ask for support
Adding to these challenges is the issue of ageism. Nearly half of all respondents (47%) in the Carrot Fertility survey reported experiencing ageism at work, with 44% saying they experience it more than their male colleagues.
The Need for Workplace Support
Given the significant impact of menopause on women's careers and the broader economic implications, there is a clear need for increased workplace support. Dr. Tay emphasizes this point: "Employers need to be more understanding and put in place measures to support menopausal women in the workplace."
Some potential measures include:
Flexible working arrangements: Allowing women to adjust their work schedules or work from home when symptoms are particularly challenging.
Environmental adjustments: Providing fans, adjustable temperature controls, or access to cool drinking water to help manage hot flashes.
Education and awareness programs: Implementing training for managers and colleagues to increase understanding and reduce stigma.
Menopause policies: Developing clear workplace policies that address menopause-related issues and support.
Access to healthcare resources: Providing access to occupational health services or counseling for women experiencing menopause symptoms.
The Role of Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers also play a crucial role in supporting women through this transition. Dr. Tay suggests that women experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical help. "There are many treatment options available, including hormone replacement therapy, which can be very effective in managing symptoms," she explains.
Looking Forward: Creating Inclusive Workplaces
Supporting women through menopause is not just about addressing individual health concerns; it's about creating more diverse and inclusive working environments. As the World Economic Forum notes, "When women are supported through menopause, they are more likely to feel valued by their employers and encouraged to perform better at work."
By implementing comprehensive support systems for menopausal women, employers can:
- Retain valuable, experienced talent
- Reduce absenteeism and improve productivity
- Foster a more inclusive workplace culture
- Contribute to broader gender equality in the workplace
Menopause is a natural part of every woman's life, but it shouldn't be a career-ending event. As our understanding of its impact on women in the workplace grows, so too must our efforts to provide support and create inclusive work environments. By breaking the silence around menopause, implementing supportive policies, and fostering a culture of understanding, we can ensure that women can continue to thrive professionally throughout all stages of their lives.
As Dr. Tay aptly puts it, "With the right support and treatment, there's no reason why women can't continue to excel in their careers during and after menopause."
It's time for workplaces to step up and provide that support, ensuring that the wealth of experience and talent that menopausal women bring to the table is not lost but celebrated and nurtured.
