A new report from HR consultancy hoomph has revealed concerning statistics on the impact of menopause on women in the workplace.
The report, based on a survey of 1,000 women, highlights the significant challenges faced by menopausal employees and calls for immediate action from businesses to address this issue. Titled “Menopause in the Workplace: Breaking the Silence,” the report outlines the effect menopause has on women’s professional lives and how inadequate workplace support is contributing to the problem.
According to the findings, over one in ten women (15%) have considered quitting their jobs due to menopausal symptoms, particularly in high-pressure sectors such as healthcare and technology. More alarmingly, 70% of menopausal women feel unsupported by their employers during this critical stage of life. These figures underline the pressing need for businesses to improve their resources and policies to support menopausal employees.
Menopause Impact on Daily Working Life
The report exposes the profound effect menopause has on women’s daily work experiences. More than half (53%) of women said menopause affects their day-to-day working life, with this figure rising to 70% among those aged 45-54. Many women in this age group are in senior or high-responsibility positions, amplifying the stress caused by menopausal symptoms.
The lack of support from employers is a recurring theme in the report. A staggering 70% of women surveyed expressed that they feel unsupported by their employers during menopause, with 21% of women aged 45-54 having considered leaving their jobs as a result of their symptoms. This is a clear indicator that businesses are not doing enough to accommodate women experiencing menopause, which in turn impacts employee retention and workplace morale.
Education and Awareness Deficit
The report also highlights a significant lack of education and awareness around menopause, both in society and within the workplace. According to the survey, 69% of working and retired women wish they had been more informed about menopause before experiencing it. This knowledge gap suggests that many women are unprepared for the physical and emotional challenges they face during menopause, which is compounded by insufficient workplace support.
Although public figures like TV presenter Davina McCall have brought more visibility to the topic, formal policies within workplaces have been slow to follow. Many businesses, particularly smaller companies, have not yet implemented menopause-friendly policies. While larger companies may see change under proposed Labour Party legislation for a menopause action plan, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lack clear guidelines, leaving many women without the necessary support.
Urgent Call for Workplace Action
The findings of the hoomph report are a wake-up call for businesses across the UK to introduce policies that address the specific needs of menopausal women. The report stresses the importance of creating supportive, inclusive environments where women feel comfortable discussing their symptoms and accessing the support they need to remain in the workforce.
Sarah Stevens and Lisa Hallewell, co-founders of hoomph, have emphasised the urgent need for change. They stated, “At hoomph, we are passionate about supporting wellbeing initiatives, and our report sheds light on a critical gap in workplace support for menopausal women. As businesswomen working in HR and experiencing menopause ourselves, we have seen firsthand the lack of awareness and support available. It’s time for businesses to step up, break the stigma, and foster inclusive environments where women don’t have to suffer in silence.”
The Future of Menopause Support in the Workplace
The report’s recommendations include urging businesses of all sizes to adopt menopause-friendly policies that provide practical support for employees. This includes flexible working options, access to healthcare support, and educating management on the challenges menopause can present.
Commissioned by Censuswide, the report serves as a crucial reminder that menopause is not just a personal issue but a workplace one as well. By failing to support menopausal employees, businesses risk losing valuable talent and contributing to a culture of silence and stigma. To create a more equitable and inclusive work environment, companies must act now to address these gaps and ensure that women feel supported throughout every stage of their professional lives.
