Almost a third of women aged 40 to 65 are considering leaving the workplace due to menopause-related ill health, according to research from Benenden Health.
Its survey of 2,000 working women found that nearly half (47 per cent) of women said they have had to change the way they work to cope due the menopause, including reducing hours or turning down training and promotion opportunities. A further 7 per cent have already left the workforce.
Benenden Health said the findings contrast with employers perceptions. It surveyed 500 HR decision-makers, of which 92 per cent said they thought their organisation is meeting the needs of women going through menopause, with 72 per cent saying they have a formal policy or initiative in place. However only a third of organisations provide enopause training for managers, and less than half offer practical support, such as paid leave (41 per cent) or workplace adjustments (45 per cent)
Benenden Health also highlighted communications issues, with 40 per cent of women unaware eof any menopause policy at work.
The research also highlighted the impact on workplace productivity. Almost one in three women (31 per cent) reported reduced productivity, 30 per cent said they need more breaks during the working day, and on average, women are losing 5.5 working days a year to menopause-related illness.
Brain fog and memory problems (46 per cent), hot flushes (46 per cent) and fatigue (43 per cent) were the most commonly cited symptoms affecting work, alongside anxiety, mood changes and joint pain.
Dr Amy Pressland, head of talent and performance at Benenden Health, said the findings should act as a warning to employers. “Too many women are being forced to choose between their health and their careers,” she said, adding that clearer policies, open conversations and practical adjustments are needed to prevent experienced staff being lost from the workforce.
Menopause support is also moving up the policy agenda, with measures expected to feature in the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill, including Menopause Action Plans for larger employers.