A report from HR consultancy hoomph has revealed what it says are ‘alarming’ statistics about the impact of menopause on women in the workplace.
Based on a survey of 1,000 women, the report highlights significant and overlooked challenges faced by menopausal employees, calling for urgent action from businesses to address this pressing issue.
The Menopause in the workplace: Breaking the Silence report examines the effects of menopause on women’s professional lives, revealing that insufficient workplace support can drive some to consider leaving their positions.
More than one in ten women (15%) have thought about quitting due to menopausal symptoms, particularly in high-stress sectors like technology and healthcare. Adding to this concern, a significant 70% of women feel unsupported by their employers during this critical transition, emphasising the urgent need for improved resources and support systems in the workplace.
It also uncovers several critical themes, including the impact of menopause on daily working life, its emotional and mental health impact, and the widespread lack of education for women entering this stage of life. Key findings from the report include:
- Over half (53%) of women said menopause impacts their daily working life, with the figure rising to 70% among women aged 45-54.
- The majority (70%) of women feel unsupported by their employers during menopause.
- 15% of women have considered quitting their jobs because of menopausal symptoms, with 21% of those aged 45-54 contemplating leaving their roles.
- 69% of working and retired women wish they’d been more informed about menopause before experiencing it.
Despite increased awareness, workplace policies lag behind. While high-profile advocates like presenter Davina McCall have raised public discourse, formal workplace policies remain slow to follow. Proposed Labour Party legislation for a menopause action plan in larger companies is promising, but smaller businesses lack clear guidance.
The report calls for businesses of all sizes to adopt menopause-friendly policies, encouraging employers to proactively support employees through this natural life stage.
Sarah Stevens and Lisa Hallewell, co-founders of hoomph, stressed the need for urgent action: “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.”
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
