More than a quarter of working women aged 45 to 65 who have gone through the menopause report that it has had a negative influence on their job, according to Canada Life.
Feeling undervalued was the most common impact cited by 27 per cent of women, with another 20 per cent stating it produced unfavourable feelings among their coworkers. Employers were also found to be weak in providing menopause assistance, with two-fifths of women or 41 per cent expressing feeling unsupported by their company and 42 per cent reporting being unable to discuss their menopause experience with their line manager. Because of this lack of support, 11 per cent of women have considered quitting their jobs.
Improved sick leave policies for menopause symptoms, flexible working rights and access to support such as virtual GPs and mental health therapy are among the workplace policies that would help working women with the menopause feel more supported, according to the research.
If they felt more supported with the menopause and symptoms they were experiencing, around a fifth of women, or 19 per cent, would be more likely to stay in their current workplace.
Canada Life protection sales director Dan Crook says: “Everyone experiences the menopause differently and some can have more severe symptoms than others, sometimes lasting for up to 12 years. Building awareness around the menopause is fundamental to normalising the topic in the workplace and society, allowing people to talk openly and seek support when needed. With more than 1 in 4 women feeling their career negatively impacted by the menopause this could quickly become a key recruitment and retention issue for employers if not handled openly and compassionately.
“Women experiencing the menopause are usually at the height of their careers and an asset that employers should work hard to keep. Almost a fifth of women said they would be more likely to stay with their employer if they felt better supported in the menopause and by making relatively simple changes such as improving sick leave policies and flexible working, employers can give their workforce the best chance of success. Virtual support services also have a key role to play through helping employees via the workplace and employers should take every opportunity to promote their use.”