Unquestionably, menopause is a natural, bilologically driven and universal life transition that affects millions of individuals in the workforce. Yet, the impact of menopause on work is often overlooked or diregarded. Symptoms vary widely from person to person, but like any health issue, they can have significant repercussions in the workplace. From reduced productivity to missed workdays, menopause can disrupt careers at a time when employees are often at their professional peak.
PreventING COSTS AND SOLVING PROBLEMS FOR EMPLOYERS
Ignoring menopause in the workplace can be a costly mistake for employers. Unaddressed menopause symptoms drive up healthcare costs, with estimates showing $1.8 billion lost annually due to missed workdays. Additionally, there are the hidden costs of decreased productivity and early retirements. Midlife employees represent a large and growing percentage of today’s workforce, holding key positions in management and on the front lines. For employers, supporting employees through this transition is not just an act of care—it’s a sound business strategy that protects the organization from talent loss and unnecessary expenses.
RetainING Valuable Employees
Menopause-responsive workplaces present a unique opportunity for employers. By recognizing and supporting employees through this transition, companies can retain experienced professionals, build a culture of wellbeing, and benefit from a multigenerational workforce. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with perimenopause potentially starting as early as 35. At this stage, many employees are at the "top of their game." They hold crucial roles across sectors, possess institutional knowledge, exhibit mature decision-making skills, and serve as dynamic and influential leaders.
A TRAILBLAZING and Effective Solution
The Menopause Society, with 35 years of experience as a trusted menopause resource, is tackling this global challenge head-on. They have introduced the Making Menopause Work™ initiative designed to guide forward-thinking employers in providing better support to employees going through this significant life change. The initiative also recognizes organizations that implement best practices in caring for their menopausal employees.
Central to the Making Menopause Work™ initiative is the "Menopause and the Workplace: Consensus Recommendations," developed by an expert panel of healthcare professionals, researchers, labor attorneys, and patient advocates. These recommendations led to the creation of a helpful resource called MenoNote, designed to help employees understand their symptoms and identify supportive strategies.
Free Resources for Employers
The Making Menopause Work™ initiative offers a range of free, downloadable resources to help employers build menopause-friendly workplaces. These include:
Employer Guide: Practical steps for integrating menopause support into workplace policies.
Sample Talking Points to Share with Leadership: Ready-to-use conversation starters to engage leadership in supporting menopause initiatives.
Conversation Guide: Tips on how to foster open and supportive dialogue about menopause in the workplace.
Consumer and Employee Fact Sheets: Informative documents to help both employees and employers better understand menopause and its effects.
Frequently Asked Questions: Addressing common concerns and misconceptions about menopause in the workplace.
Self-Assessment and Planning Tool: Helps organizations assess their current menopause support and plan for improvements.
Program Overview: A summary of the Making Menopause Work™ initiative and how it benefits businesses and employees alike.
Conclusion
According to consensus recommendations from The Menopause Society, supporting menopause in the workplace can significantly benefit both employees and employers by reducing healthcare costs and retaining valuable talent. Supporting employees through menopause is not only the right thing to do but a strategic imperative for businesses seeking to retain valuable talent, improve wellbeing, and create an inclusive workplace. The Making Menopause Work™ initiative provides employers with the tools they need to make this a reality, fostering healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces for all.
References:
AARP. (2023). "The Economic Impact of Menopause in the Workplace." Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/
The Menopause Society. (2023). "Menopause and the Workplace." Retrieved from https://menopause.org/workplace
The Menopause Society Advisory Panel. (2024). "Menopause and the Workplace: Consensus Recommendations." Menopause, 31:741-749. Retrieved from https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/workplace/2024-Menopause-and-the-Workplace-ConsensusRecommendations.pdf.
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