The Impact of Menopause at Work
Menopause can have a significant impact on employees in the workplace. Understanding the prevalence, types of symptoms, and the support needed is crucial for creating an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Prevalence of Symptoms
73% of employees surveyed have experienced symptoms related to menopause transition.
57% are currently experiencing symptoms.
Types of Symptoms
67% report psychological symptoms such as mood disturbances, anxiety, depression, memory loss, panic attacks, loss of confidence, and reduced concentration.
66% report hot flushes.
64% report muscle and joint problems.
66% report sleep disturbances.
58% report weight gain.
Impact at Work
67% of women with menopausal symptoms say they have had a mostly negative effect on them at work.
79% of negatively affected employees report less ability to concentrate.
68% report increased stress.
53% have been unable to go into work due to menopause symptoms.
Disclosure to Managers
18% did not tell their manager anything about their menopause or symptoms.
41% were worried that people would presume their performance would be affected.
34% felt their manager wouldn’t be supportive.
47% of the LGBT+ community felt their manager wouldn’t be supportive.
31% felt embarrassed to share this information.
42% of ethnic minorities felt embarrassed to share this information.
Workplace Support
84% of unsupported employees say their symptoms have a mostly negative effect on them at work.
Forms of Support
47% have written policies.
46% have menopause support networks.
37% have access to drinking water, training for employees, and easily accessible advice.
32% provide specified support through occupational health.
26% provide planned flexible working.
25% allow control over local temperature.
10% offer last-minute or unplanned late starts after sleep disturbances.
Flexible Working and Temperature Control
48% find planned flexible working helpful.
46% find the ability to control local temperature helpful.
36% find last-minute or unplanned late starts helpful.
Impact of Home and Hybrid Working
67% feel that home and hybrid working make dealing with menopause symptoms easier.
Leaving Work
17% have considered leaving work due to a lack of support for menopause symptoms.
6% have left work.
Disciplinary Action
9% report that their menopause symptoms have led to disciplinary action.
Conclusion
These statistics highlight the critical need for comprehensive menopause support policies in the workplace. By implementing effective support measures, providing flexible working options, and fostering an inclusive environment, organisations can significantly improve the wellbeing and productivity of their employees experiencing menopause.
Contact Us for more information on how to create a supportive workplace environment for employees going through menopause.
Further resources
Business Wales (2019). Welsh Government: Menopause in the workplace.
Devlin R (2019). How can we support patients through the menopause if the NHS can’t support staff? Nursing Standard website, 9 May. (accessed 09/05/19) (Web)
Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (2021). Menopause - Guidance for employers and employees.
European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS). A key international society that promotes and disseminates evidence-based care guidelines on menopause, launched a menopause and work charter.
Firthwithlife (2019). A study of menopause in the workplace.
Menopause in the workplace (2021). Menopause and work. What does one have to do with the other?
NASUWT (2020). Managing the Menopause in the Workplace Scotland.
Newson (2021). Online training for healthcare professionals.
Noble N (2021). Helping and supporting staff to manage menopause symptoms at work. Nursing Times [online]; 117: 6, 39-41.
UNISON (2019). The menopause is a workplace issue: guidance and model policy.
Wales TUC Learning Services (2017). The menopause in the workplace. A toolkit for trade unionists.
This toolkit provides information to help reps in recognising and addressing the workplace issues that can worsen women’s symptoms.
