Menopause: A Silent Workplace Challenge

2 Minute Read

In today’s everchanging work culture, companies are investing in mental health, diversity and wellness. Despite the fact that nearly half the global workforce is made up of women, there’s still a growing need to address health topics that have been long overlooked and stigmatized – particularly menopause. As more women remain in the workforce into their 40s, 50s, and beyond, it’s time to break the silence and recognize this important aspect of workplace wellbeing.

Women’s health isn’t limited to pregnancy or maternity leave. It includes fertility, breast health, and, importantly, the natural life stage of menopause. Ignoring these health aspects means organizations risk losing experienced talent, reducing productivity, and allowing a stigma to persist in the workplace.

Key Stats:

• Over 50 million women in the U.S. are going through menopause right now.
• About 1 in 10 women leave the workforce due to unmanaged menopause symptoms.
• Symptoms can last 7 to 10 years, not just a few months.

Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 – a time when many women are in leadership roles, at the peak of their careers, or mentoring the next generation. While menopause is a natural life transition among women, it can come with symptoms that impact performance and quality of life, such as hot flashes, sleep disruption, brain fog and mood imbalance.

Although most workplaces don’t offer support or acknowledge this phase in women’s health, it’s never too late to consider ways to reverse the stigma within your organization.

1. Open the Conversation: Normalize menopause like any other health topic. Training managers to increase awareness by talking about it is a good start.
2. Health Benefits That Cover Menopause: Ensure benefit plans cover hormone therapy, counseling, and menopause specialists.
3. Include Menopause in DEI and Wellness Policies: Recognizing menopause in official wellness programs or DEI strategies shows leadership and care, therefore building trust and retention.

Supporting women through menopause isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a smart, inclusive, and necessary move in any modern workplace. When women feel supported throughout every stage of life, they thrive – and so do the organizations that back them.