Employers have a chance to help women extend their careers and retain a wealth of knowledge and experience, according to MetLife.
According to research by MetLife, one of these causes is the taboo around menopause. One in ten women report that they haven’t told anyone about their perimenopause or menopausal symptoms.
The study also found that the average age at which women report going through perimenopause or menopause is 41. But over half of the respondents or 39 per cent are under the age of 40. Moreover, 7 per cent of 18–24-year-olds say they are having symptoms. MetLife polled 355 women of all ages on their perimenopause and menopause experiences.
Mood swings/low mood, hot flushes/excessive sweating/night sweats, difficulty sleeping, headaches and memory and attention problems are the most common complaints. Despite having symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, one in ten women admit they haven’t spoken to someone about it.
Nearly 47 per cent turn to friends, 41 per cent turn to their GP/medical professional, 39 per cent to family members and 30 per cent to spouses. Work colleagues are also on the list, with nearly a quarter or 22 per cent of women saying they turn to their coworkers for help.
The study looked into the perspectives of women who are currently working full or part-time and have gone through or are currently going through perimenopause or menopause on having symptoms at work. By shattering the present taboo, the study hopes to shed light on an issue that is sensitive and impacts a large number of people.
MetLife UK head of HR Amy Tomlinson says: “Retaining women within the workplace is a challenge many businesses face, particularly at present due to the impact of the menopause. The impact can be so great that women feel the only option is to leave the workplace early, meaning a wealth of expertise and knowledge can just disappear at all levels across an organisation.”
“Perimenopause and menopause remain a taboo subject and is one of many root causes that can lead to early departure from the workforce, because as a society many feel uncomfortable talking about it, despite the large numbers of women it affects every year. Historically many may have associated menopause with later life, but our research shows this is an issue impacting people of all ages, with many experiencing symptoms by the age of 40.
“Although it’s a difficult and deeply personal subject that people understandably may not wish to discuss with colleagues, the sheer impact that some symptoms may be having on people’s day to day lives means that we must create an environment where people feel comfortable opening up. Whether you know someone experiencing symptoms or want to advocate on someone’s behalf, showing them support by being there when they need it, can go a long way to helping someone feel understood and less alone.
“At MetLife we are working hard to create awareness and educating associates to provide a robust support framework to retain women in the workforce and minimise the possibility that menopause can result in many feeling the only option is to leave the workplace early.”
