Menopause In The Workplace
Menopause is rarely a topic of open discussion in the workplace — even though nearly half of the world’s population experiences this biological transition, which marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle and fertility.
Since the menopause transition generally lasts an average of 8-10 years, millions of women are coming into leadership roles while experiencing mild to severe symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and cognitive changes.
Also, around midlife, women may have chronic health conditions and have a more significant share of responsibility for child-rearing; some may have adult children still living at home and elderly relatives and
The Impact On Working Life
59%
of working women between the ages of 45 and 55 who are experiencing menopause symptoms say it impacts the quality of their work.*
*Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD)
900
A study of 900* professional women found that lowered confidence, poor concentration, and poor memory associated with menopause symptoms caused them significant difficulties.*
*UK National Library of Medicine
29%
of women thought menopause negatively impacted their managers’ and colleagues’ perceptions of their competence at work.*
*The British Occupational Health Research Foundation
Breaking The Silence & Ending The Secrecy
There’s a lot of mystery and misinformation about this life stage, and just gathering some basic facts from trusted professional healthcare sources is a good start.
As a Certified Menopause Practitioner and Pharmacist I believe that any taboo topic loses power when someone with authority addresses it openly.
It’s time to remove the shame around the topic of menopause in the workplace.
Discussions around race, gender, sexual orientation, and generational differences are occurring more openly at work, and we need to put menopause on the agenda as well.
Teresa is a knowledgeable and engaging speaker. And she makes women feel comfortable learning and discussing issues related to menopause – a subject that isn’t talked about nearly enough. Her solutions-oriented approach to the issues associated with menopause are much appreciated!
– Janet Riley, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, Maple Leaf Foods
Create A Safe Workplace To Talk About Menopause
1. Workshops
General menopause awareness & education (1-2 hrs) to help employees identify and recognize the symptoms and challenges of menopause, how they may be affected, and what support is available.
2. Individual or Group Support
Personal 1×1 and/or small group support for female employees experiencing bothersome menopause symptoms to improve their quality of life, work, and relationships.
3. Leadership & Management Training
Full or half day education and training for managers, HR professionals, and Occupational Health representatives on how to improve the quality of life and work for employees experiencing menopause.
4. Wellness Days
Overall wellness is not only about the absence of disease but also about being in good health. General education for all staff to destigmatize menopause and support all employees at home and at work.
Improve The Work Environment For Menopausal Women
Sign up and learn how to break the silence & end the secrecy of menopause